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Why are Certain People More Attractive to Mosquitoes

Posted by Mosquito Squad

December 20, 2023

It's bad enough that there are things in nature that attract mosquitoes, therefore finding that they follow you around and try to take a bite out of you more than your friends, family members, and colleagues could be unnerving.

A US Government study reveals that female mosquitoes exhibit inclinations toward particular individuals more than others. That is determined by disparities in unstable chemicals generated by human bodies and recognized by mosquitoes. This relates to approximately 20% of people, so, feel happy, you're not weird.

However, if you live in sections of Southwest Michigan prone to mosquitoes bearing West Nile and Eastern Equine viruses, knowing these factors will help you learn how to avoid their annoying and sometimes deadly bites. Northville Mosquito Control is also imperative to reduce the number of pests in your environment.

What Are Vector-Borne Diseases That Affect Michigan?

Living organisms that can transmit illness are known as vectors. Vector-borne human illnesses can be transmitted via mosquito bites. The following are a few examples:

  • West Nile virus
  • Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
  • Malaria
  • Zika virus
  • Heartworm infections
  • Dengue

What Makes Some People More Attractive to Mosquitoes?

Blood Type

Adult mosquitoes get their energy from nectar, but females need human blood to produce eggs. Some blood categories are more appealing to mosquitoes than others, which is strange.

For instance, Anopheles gambiae prefers blood type AB while Aedes albopictus finds blood type O more appealing. Around 80% of individuals also secrete a substance that indicates their blood type. Irrespective of blood type, these people attract mosquitoes more.

Pregnancy

Some mosquito species seem to be attracted to pregnant women. A study in Africa in 2000 indicated that pregnant women were twice as likely to be targeted by mosquitoes than non-pregnant people.

There are several reasons why this might be the case, according to the researchers:

Compared to non-pregnant adults, those in late pregnancy breathed 21% more carbon dioxide. Temperature: Pregnant women's abdomens were a tad bit hotter.

Odor and Perspiration

Mosquitoes can detect a variety of other scents with their noses. They can, for example, detect sweat-emitted lactic acid, ammonia, and other chemicals.

Your body produces more lactic acid and heat as a result of intense exercise. When it comes to mosquito attraction, genetic factors can also play a role.

Mosquitoes have an easier time finding some people than others because of these factors.

Body Mass

Carbon dioxide can be detected by mosquitoes at a considerable distance from the emitter of the gas. Aside from that, they can see humans at a range 16 to 49 feet. They can locate you using these two indicators.

Exhaling a lot makes you look more appealing. Mosquitoes are more likely to bite larger persons because they breathe more frequently. Mosquitoes are drawn to your head because of the carbon dioxide you release via your nose and lips.

Addressing the conditions that attract mosquitoes work well together with Kalamazoo Mosquito Prevention from the skilled and certified team at Mosquito Squad of Southwest Michigan. Reduce your plight and make an appointment today at (269) 340-3580. We'll find, assess and treat the issue in your home environment so you can be happy outdoors again.