Are You a Walking Magnet for Mosquitoes? These Reasons Could Be Why
Realising you are more frequently targeted by mosquitoes is not just your subjective perception. There is compelling evidence that these blood-sucking insects exhibit a preference for individuals based on factors such as the amount of carbon dioxide they emit and the bacteria present on their skin. Learn more below.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Us?
The mosquitoes that bite and feed on our blood are female mosquitoes. While male mosquitoes depend on nectar to survive, females require the proteins, iron and amino acids derived from blood to develop their eggs. Not only people, but animals can also be sources of blood meals.
What Happens After a Mosquito Bites Us?
When a female mosquito bites, it simultaneously sucks blood and injects saliva into the skin. It is our bodies that cause the swelling and itching, often manifesting in a red bump, in response to a bite. Our immune system is responsible for detecting the saliva as an allergen and consequently releasing histamine to eliminate it from our bodies. Thus, allergic reactions to mosquito bites can vary, from localised swellings to raised, itchy welts and in some cases, even anaphylaxis.
While mosquito bites can be unpleasant, other more dangerous concerns linger. Mosquitoes are pests that can transmit infectious diseases, like dengue, malaria and zika. These vector-borne diseases are still rampant in our world today, causing more than 700,000 deaths worldwide every year.
What does that mean for those of us who are constantly getting attacked by mosquitoes? Click here for our article on how to deal with mosquitoes indoors and outdoors — but first, let’s examine what body circumstances make us likely targets for mosquitoes, and whether your choice of clothing colour can affect their choice.
1. You have a high metabolic rate
People with a high metabolic rate tend to attract mosquitoes because they exhale more carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes are extremely sensitive to carbon dioxide, as it alerts them of the presence of a potential host. They can sense carbon dioxide from over 30 feet (past 9 metres) away, after which they start to pick up on human odour.
The more carbon dioxide you breathe out, the more palatable you are to mosquitoes. Naturally, individuals who are pregnant, exercising or simply younger might have a higher metabolic rate, thereby increasing their likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes.
2. You have a specific skin microbiota
The thousands of species of bacteria that live on your skin all emit volatiles that collectively contribute to your body’s overall odour. Unique to individuals, these scent profiles comprise different chemical compounds that affect how you appear to mosquitoes.
Studies have also shown that these winged pests are more attracted to people with high amounts of carboxylic acids on their skin. Carboxylic acids are byproducts of sebum produced by the skin’s microbiome. These fatty acids are a major component of human sweat.
3. You feel warm or sweat more often
Therefore, people who perspire more frequently are more vulnerable to mosquito bites. Our sweat contains a cocktail of other chemical compounds: besides carboxylic acids, there are lactic acid, ammonia, sulphides and more. These substances are attractive to mosquitoes, which sniff out the distinct resulting odours as a hallmark of human presence.
Moreover, in tandem with sweat, your body warmth could be another reason why you’re a top choice for mosquitoes. After carbon dioxide guides mosquitoes to blood sources and they detect odours, body temperature serves as a key factor for host selection. This study shows that mosquitoes are attracted to heat sources at favourable temperatures.
4. You like sweet, salty and spicy foods
The foods on your plate might be why mosquitoes find you irresistible. Some sources postulate that foods rich in potassium, as well as those that are sweet, spicy or salty, could make you more appealing to mosquitoes. However, there is limited scientific evidence to fully support this claim — although bananas and beer have been identified as items you wish to avoid if you don’t want them flying towards you for a blood meal.
5. You tend to wear red, orange and black colours
Mosquitoes perceive all human skin tones as shades of red and orange. This means that wearing these specific colours could signal mosquitoes towards you. Meanwhile, black, similar to red and orange in corresponding to longer wavelengths of light, also attracts mosquitoes.
Conversely, light colours are less noticeable to these pesky bugs due to their ability to blend in with surroundings, whereas colours on the opposite end of the spectrum, such as green, blue and purple, deter them.
Mosquito Magnet Checklist
| Factor | Description |
| High Metabolic Rate | Individuals with a high metabolic rate exhale more carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes. |
| Specific Skin Microbiota | Certain skin bacteria emit compounds that make individuals more appetising to mosquitoes. |
| Body Heat and Sweat | Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and the chemicals present in sweat, such as lactic acid, ammonia and sulphides. |
| Dietary Habits | Foods rich in potassium, and those that are sweet, salty or spicy, may increase attractiveness to mosquitoes. |
| Clothing Colour Choices | Wearing red, orange or black colours can make individuals more visible and attractive to mosquitoes. Light colours and shades of green, blue and purple may deter them. |
Repel Mosquitoes Fast with Star Bugs
While some of these factors are biological and cannot be altered, there are steps we can take to reduce our susceptibility to mosquito bites, even for those they find most appealing. This includes wearing lighter-coloured clothing, staying cool, and adjusting our diet. A better understanding of mosquitoes and what repels them can help us protect ourselves effectively.
It can be hard to steer clear of mosquitoes if you are dealing with an ongoing infestation at home. Get mosquitoes to leave you alone with the assistance of Star Bugs, one of Singapore’s foremost pest control companies, offering a range of swift and effective solutions to manage and prevent mosquito proliferation. Don’t wait, and contact us today for help with mosquitoes, and a long list of other pests.