Who and what attracts mosquitoes the most

Not all of us are affected by mosquitoes Likewise, it is estimated that one in five people is more likely to be attracted to their thrusts. There is now abundant scientific literature that allows us to identify the categories of people more at risk for mosquito bites. And what attracts these insects most: certain odors, carbon dioxide, lactic acid, sweat, alcohol, and beer. And even certain blood types.

Index of topics

Odors

One factor that determines a particular interest on the part of mosquitoes is theskin odorSomething we don't even perceive, but insects are very sensitive to. Mosquitoes especially like butyric acid, produced by the skin, which smells very similar to aged cheese.

The carbon dioxide trail

Mosquitoes first follow the trail of thecarbon dioxide We produce it through respiration and perspiration. Certain receptors in their jaws allow mosquitoes to smell carbon dioxide even from fifty meters away. Those who produce more are more at risk. mosquito bite, as demonstrated by the fact that obese people are among the intended victims.

sweaty woman — Photo by Sarah Cervantes on Unsplash – Sweaty Woman

Sweat attracts mosquitoes

Another source of attraction for mosquitoes is the intense sweatingWe become favorite targets, for example, after intense physical activityMosquitoes like the smell of lactic acid, uric acid, and ammonia—all substances found in sweat. Sweat also heats the skin, which is also a very attractive condition for mosquitoes.

Light skin

People with spider veins or fair skin have a higher body temperature, which puts them at greater risk of mosquito bites.

Blood type

A French study highlights blood type as one of the causes of mosquito attraction to some people. Those who have the type O blood It is more affected by those who have blood groups such as A, B and AB.

Alcohol and beer consumption

People who consume alcohol They significantly attract mosquitoes more for two reasons. Through their skin, they emit greater amounts of ethanol, methanol, and acetone—all substances that mosquitoes like. Furthermore, they sweat and have warmer skin, making them a favorite target for mosquitoes. Among alcoholic beverages, mosquitoes' favorite is beerIt has been discovered that after drinking a simple 33 centiliter can of beer, the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes increase significantly.

Pregnant women

La pregnancy It leads to an increase in body temperature. A pregnant woman's belly is one degree warmer than the rest of her body, which increases sweating. Again, scientific research shows that mosquitoes attack pregnant women twice as often as those who are not pregnant.

The colors that most attract mosquitoes

An English research has allowed us to draw up the clothing color classification These colors attract mosquitoes the most. Dark-colored shirts, blouses, pants, and skirts top the list. Specifically, in this order: black, red, gray, and blue. At the other end of the spectrum, lighter colors, particularly green and yellow, are the least attractive. This is helpful information for deciding what to wear when traveling in mosquito-infested areas.

Most common mosquitoes in Italy

There are 3 species of mosquitoes in the world, and 60 are concentrated in Italy. Of these, only about ten are capable of transmitting diseases, even serious ones such as dengueThe most common mosquitoes in our country are two: the Culex pipiens, which produces the classic buzz and usually strikes at night, and the Aedes albopictus, better known as the tiger mosquito, is very aggressive and accustomed to biting during the day. Mosquito activity reaches its peak at two times of the day: early morning and late afternoon, when dusk begins. Mosquito activity peaks between April and October, but in some regions where the heat lasts longer, it lasts until December.

How long does a mosquito live?

The mosquito does not have a long life. It does not survive three to five weeks of life, while one blood meal and the other, in females that need it to mature and produce eggs, should not pass more than three to five days.

Who and what attracts mosquitoes the most?