Why do mosquitoes bite? Why are some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others?

While summer is many people’s favorite season, these sunnier, longer and hotter days come with annoying mosquitoes. However, these little creatures, which are a nuisance to many, do not seem to show the same attention to everyone.

Why do mosquitoes bite?

Contrary to what many think, mosquitoes do not bite humans for food and actually get their daily food from plant nectar. Only female mosquitoes bite, and the purpose of this bite is to get the proteins they need from human blood to lay their own eggs.

Why are some people more attractive to mosquitoes?

There are several different factors that make a person more attractive to a mosquito than others. The first of these is the color of the clothes you wear. Moving and wearing darker colors like black, dark blue or red can make you more attractive to a mosquito.

Another phenomenon that mosquitoes use to select their targets is smell. As noted in an article published in the journal Chemical Senses, mosquitoes have a special organ for detecting carbon dioxide and can even detect carbon dioxide from 50 meters away. Therefore, people who create more carbon dioxide, such as those who are larger or do active exercise, become more attractive to mosquitoes.

Of course, there are other substances and compounds that mosquitoes find attractive. Mosquitoes can locate humans by sniffing substances found in human skin and sweat, including lactic acid, uric acid and ammonium. While researchers are still investigating why some scents are more attractive to mosquitoes, they do know that our genetic makeup, the amount of bacteria on the skin, and exercise affect these substances. While our genetic structure is effective in determining the amount of uric acid, exercise increases the lactic acid unit.

Do blood groups affect mosquitoes?

There is no clear answer yet on the type of blood group, which is one of the most common beliefs. However, several different studies suggest that mosquitoes may find people with type O blood more attractive. However, these studies have not yet reached a definite conclusion…