Why Do Mosquitoes Bite You More Than Others?

Mosquito Bite Causes:  With a buzzing sound, persistent existence, itchy bites and the potential to transmit diseases, mosquitoes are hands down one of the most annoying insects in the world. Additionally, these insects are not just annoying; certain species of these insects also cause diseases like malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Zika virus, which are all proven dangerous and in some cases life-threatening. But do you know that mosquitoes bite certain individuals more than others? All due to the complicated interaction of biological, chemical, and environmental factors? These insects are drawn mainly to specific human traits that make some people more "tasty" or scented than others for mosquitoes, according to the health website data, Healthline.

List Of Major Reasons Why Mosquitoes Bite Certain People More:

Blood Type

Research shows that mosquitoes are more attracted to individuals with Type O blood, who are bitten almost twice as often as people with Type A blood. Type B is in the middle. Approximately 85% of individuals release chemical signals corresponding to their blood type on their skin, and secretors become more appealing to mosquitoes independent of precise blood type.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emission

Mosquitoes smell CO2 in human respiration at distances of up to 100 feet through specialised sensory organs. Individuals who exhale more CO2, because they have a higher metabolism, are pregnant, or are exercising, attract a greater number of mosquitoes.

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Body Odour And Skin Bacteria

Mosquitoes are also attracted by certain chemicals in human sweat, including lactic acid and ammonia. The type and variety of skin bacteria determine attractiveness. High levels of some species of bacteria cause more attraction, whereas more variable populations of bacteria decrease it. Feet and ankles tend to be bitten more probably because there are lots of odour-producing bacteria there.

Body Temperature And Heat

Higher body temperature also plays a part in attracting mosquitoes, as heat indicates the possibility of a blood meal. Exercise or disease can increase body temperature, and individuals are thus more visible.

Other Factors

Mosquitoes also get attracted to certain colours of clothing, especially dark colours like black and red. However, there is no confirmation of why that happens. Additionally, Alcohol intake could also make one more attractive as a result of changes in body odour and heat release. Certain hereditary factors also influence natural body smell and immune system response, which also increase your preference for mosquitoes.

Also Read: 6 Plants That Naturally Keep Mosquitoes At Bay In Monsoon

Why Do Some Mosquito Bites Itch More? 

Have you ever wondered why certain mosquitoes bite itch more? The itch is due to the immune response to mosquito saliva proteins injected when feeding. Individuals show different symptoms, for example, some people's mosquito bite looks more red, swelled, and feels way more itchy. It is important to know that children or immunocompromised people can have worse outcomes from mosquito bites.

Knowing about these lesser-known factors that influence mosquito bites can improve prevention strategies against mosquitoes, like specific repellents, proper clothing wear, and outdoor time scheduling to minimise mosquito bites and related disease risks.