Did You Know Only Female Mosquitoes Bite Humans And Not Males? Here’s What You Should Know

Why Only Female Mosquitoes Bite Humans: Almost everyone gets bitten by a mosquito, especially in hot or wet weather. Have you ever wondered why they bite? The crazy thing is that only females pursue people; males never do. Many people are surprised by that detail because we typically assume that all mosquitoes behave in the same way.

However, male and female mosquitoes have different needs, particularly when it comes to eating. By identifying that difference, we can learn more about how mosquitoes behave, survive and spread disease. Understanding why they bite makes it easier to avoid bites and reduces the risk of contracting diseases like dengue, malaria, or chikungunya.

In this article, we explore why female mosquitoes eat skin, what males eat instead, and how these tiny insects locate humans. It's time to look at mosquito behaviours without using technical jargon.

Why Only Female Mosquitoes Bite?

Why Only Female Mosquitoes Bite Humans (Image: Canva)

Female mosquitoes require blood - either from people or animals - to grow their eggs. Blood gives their eggs the boost they need to develop right. If no blood is taken, reproduction just won't work well. Males skip this entirely since egg-laying isn’t part of their role. Instead of biting, they rely on different food sources.

What Do Male Mosquitoes Eat?

Fewer people know that males live purely on flower nectar, plant juices or fruit sugars. Since they don't bite, male mosquitoes pose no threat to us. Instead of hunting blood, they mostly sip sugary fluids while searching for mates.

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How Female Mosquitoes Find You

Why Only Female Mosquitoes Bite Humans (Image: Canva)

Female mosquitoes identify humans using a variety of clues. To obtain a blood meal, these signals enable them to fly straight toward a human source.

• The carbon dioxide we breathe out
• Body heat
• Sweat smell
• Dark clothing
• Standing water near homes

Why Mosquito Bites Itch

A mosquito injects saliva during a bite to stop your blood from clotting. An itchy bump results from your body's reaction to this saliva.

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How to Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites

1. Use insect repellents on your skin and clothing to effectively ward off mosquitoes and avoid bites.

2. Wear light-coloured clothing because dark hues attract mosquitoes more.

3. Keep your house clean and free of clutter to prevent mosquitoes from hiding there.

4. Empty pots, coolers, buckets and any other containers that could harbour mosquitoes to prevent standing water.

5. To prevent mosquitoes from getting to you while you sleep, use a mosquito net.