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Why some mosquitoes bite constantly, while others almost never: blood type, clothing color and body odor play a role

'27.08.2022'

Olga Derkach

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The end of summer and the beginning of autumn are definitely one of the most favorite times of the year: warm temperatures, sunny days and the opportunity to spend a lot of time near the lake. But the love for this season fades quickly when you're covered in red, itchy bites after a few minutes outside. How mosquitoes choose who to bite, and what affects it, the publication said CNet.

In fact, there are scientific reasons why mosquitoes choose certain people.

Why do mosquitoes bite

Contrary to what you might think, mosquitoes don't bite people for food - they feed on plant nectar. Only female mosquitoes bite, and they do this to get the proteins they need from your blood to develop their eggs.

Why are some people more susceptible to bites?

There are several factors that influence why some people are more susceptible to mosquito bites than others.

Blood type

There is an opinion that mosquitoes are attracted to certain blood types. It is determined by genetics, and each blood type is created from a different set of specific proteins, called antigens, on the surface of red blood cells. There are four main blood types: A (II), B (III), AB (IV) and O (I).

Although there are no clear conclusions as to which one is more attractive to mosquitoes, several studies have shown that people with blood type O are the most attractive to mosquitoes. A 2019 study observed the feeding behavior of mosquitoes when presented with samples of different blood types. Mosquitoes have been found to feed on the Type O feeder more than any other. A 2004 study also showed that mosquitoes land on O blood type secretors (83,3%) significantly more often than on A group secretions (46,5%).

However, these studies are not conclusive and much is not yet known about mosquito preferences when it comes to blood type.

Clothing color

When it comes to finding a person to bite, mosquitoes are very good at seeing. This means movement and dark clothing colors such as black, navy and red can stand out to the mosquito. Studies have shown mosquitoes are more attracted to black, but little additional research has been done to explain why this is the case.

Carbon dioxide

Mosquitoes use their sight and smell to find their target and bite. One of the fastest ways they can smell a person is through the release of carbon dioxide when we breathe. Mosquitoes use an organ called the maxillary palp to detect carbon dioxide and can sense it from 164 feet (50 m) away, according to a study published in the journal Chemical Senses.

Since carbon dioxide is a strong attractor, larger people and those who breathe heavily during exercise are more likely to emit it - they are much more attractive to mosquitoes.

Body odor and sweat

Mosquitoes are attracted to more substances and compounds than just carbon dioxide. They can find people for their bites by the smell of substances present on human skin and in sweat. Among them are lactic and uric acids, as well as ammonia.

On the subject: How to properly treat a tick bite, and when to see a doctor

Researchers are still investigating why certain body odors are more attractive to mosquitoes, but they know that genetics, skin bacteria and exercise play an important role. Genetics influence the amount of uric acid excreted, while exercise increases the accumulation of lactic acid.

Beer

In a small study, it was observed that mosquitoes were more likely to land on participants after they drank small amounts of beer. But before you ditch beer for good, know that the study involved just 14 people and found that mosquitoes are only marginally more attracted to people who drink beer.

Why do some people swell up more from mosquito bites than others?

Mosquito bites can range in size from small spots to large welts. Why is it so?

Bites affect people in different ways. The size and severity of a bite is related to how your immune system reacts to the saliva the mosquito produces when bitten. When mosquitoes bite, they secrete some saliva when drawing blood. This saliva contains certain anticoagulants and proteins that cause the immune system to react to these foreign substances.

Our body reacts by releasing histamine, a chemical that is released by white blood cells when your immune system is fighting off allergens, and this causes itching as well as inflammation at the bite site.

Prevention and treatment of mosquito bites

The best way to deal with a mosquito bite is to prevent it, but this is often easier said than done.

Some common ways to prevent mosquito bites include:

  • use insect repellants and sprays;
  • use natural repellents (citronella essential oil, neem oil, thyme essential oil);
  • do not go outside at dawn or dusk;
  • avoid dark clothing, especially black;
  • avoid standing water and try to eliminate standing water near your home;
  • use a mosquito net when camping or sleeping outdoors.

Mosquito bites, while annoying, are often not serious and go away after a few days.

Meanwhile, there are several ways to relieve itching and inflammation:

  • wipe with alcohol if the bite is fresh;
  • take a bath;
  • use over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl or Claritin
  • apply mild corticosteroid creams;
  • use aloe vera to reduce inflammation;
  • try a cold compress;
  • although difficult, try not to scratch the bite too hard to prevent any skin reaction or infection.
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