Many of us wonder why some people get lots of mosquito bites while others do not. Mosquitoes not only cause itchy bites, but also spread diseases like malaria.
Nigeria, for example, has the highest number of malaria cases and deaths according to the 2022 World Malaria Report.
Here are five reasons why mosquitoes might bite some people more than others:
1. Blood Type
Some believe mosquitoes prefer certain blood types, like type O. While some studies support this, others do not. A health practitioner, Dr. Jones says blood type probably is not a big factor in mosquito attraction. Other things matter more.
2. Food and Drink
What you eat and drink might attract or repel mosquitoes. Garlic might hide your scent, while salty or sweet foods might make you more attractive to mosquitoes.
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Even drinking beer could attract them, but Dr. Jones suggests sticking to proven repellents instead of relying on food and drink.
He advises using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves, keeping windows closed, and sleeping under mosquito nets. Be especially cautious in the early morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active.
3. Body Size and Breathing
Mosquitoes find us by the carbon dioxide (CO2) we exhale. Bigger people breathe out more CO2, so they get bitten more.
This means men, pregnant women, and adults often get more bites than women and children. People who breathe heavily, like during exercise, might also get bitten more.
4. Natural Scent and Skin Bacteria
Our unique body scent and skin bacteria can make us more attractive to mosquitoes. Genetics and the microbes on our skin affect how we smell.
Some smells attract mosquitoes more. Studies show that certain compounds in our scent can draw mosquitoes. Scientists are exploring ways to mask these compounds to make us less attractive to mosquitoes.
5. Clothing Colour
What you wear matters too. Mosquitoes like red, orange, black, and cyan colours. They do not like green, blue, or purple. Avoiding the colours they like might help reduce bites.
Understanding these factors can help us take better precautions against mosquito bites.
