It’s not just an impression: some people really are “favored” by mosquitoes. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University say the reason isn’t blood type, but the mix of chemicals the body eliminates through the skin and breath, Fox 8 reports.
“Most people produce the same chemicals, but in different proportions. To mosquitoes, these differences matter and can make one person more attractive than another.” explains Gabriella Wolff, a professor in the University’s Department of Biology.
Among the compounds that appear to play an important role are aldehydes. When they are found in a certain proportion, they work as a strong attraction signal for mosquitoes, says the researcher.
What makes some people more “appetizing” to mosquitoes
Experts say it’s not just the chemicals naturally eliminated from the body that influence how attractive a person is to mosquitoes. Physical activity can also matter, because after exercise the body produces more lactic acid. Drinking beer and bananas can also alter the compounds eliminated through the skin and breath, and clothing in colors such as red, black or cyan seem to attract insects more easily. For pregnant women, their higher metabolic rate can also make them more vulnerable to stings.
Instead, the researcher points out that there is no solid scientific evidence to support the theory that blood type is the main reason why some people get stung more often than others.
Only females sting humans
There are about 3,500 species of mosquitoes in the world, but only a part of them feed on human blood and can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile virus or Zika.
Gabriella Wolff says many of the species that appear threatening are, in reality, completely harmless. She gives as an example the giant mosquitoes from movies like Jumanji or Jurassic Park, which belong to the genus Toxorhynchites. Although they are impressive in size, they do not sting humans and feed on nectar.
The researcher also states that only females need blood to develop their eggs. In addition, studies suggest that they can modify their behavior based on previous experiences: if they find an approachable host and manage to feed without being chased away, they may subsequently seek out individuals with similar odors and chemical compositions.
How you can protect yourself from mosquitoes
Gabriella Wolff says mosquito sprays and lotions containing DEET still offer the best protection. Alternatively, essential oils such as clove, lemongrass or cinnamon can be used, but they are not as effective.
At the same time, the team at Case Western Reserve University is working on an unusual method to combat mosquitoes. Researchers are testing whether certain sound frequencies, similar to those produced by dragonflies – natural predators of mosquitoes – can change their behavior and keep them at bay. If the results confirm the hypothesis, the method could become an alternative without chemical insecticides.
For those who have already been bitten by mosquitoes, Gabriella Wolff recommends applying hot water to the affected area, as much as can be tolerated without causing burns. According to the researcher, the heat can modify the proteins in the mosquito’s saliva and thus reduce the intensity of the itch.
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