Why
do mosquitoes bite some people and not others?
First of all, it is not your fantasy. Mosquitoes bite some people more than others for a variety of reasons. Predominantly, because of,
Underlying Genetic Order,
Exhalation of Carbon Dioxide,
The Color of Their Clothing,
Pregnancy,
Drinking
All these parameters affect the behavior of mosquitoes towards the person. All these factors play a role in susceptibility, each with varying intensity. Here is the answer to your question, “why do mosquitoes bite me only?”
GENETIC
MAKEUP OF THE VICTIM:
It
is the most influential and unavoidable factor which no one can change. The
blood group, which is determined by genes, plays an important in mosquito
decision for biting. Blood group O is most susceptible to mosquito strikes.
Mosquito love to blood group O meal twice than the A. While B is in between
both A and O. Our body produces certain chemicals on our body surface, which
reflect the blood group we have. These chemicals are antennae for female
mosquitoes.
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Researchers
have found 285 human genetic markers that influence the mosquito’s decision in
biting. Particularly genes that regulate major histocompatibility complex or
MHC is crucial.
Some
lucky people produce certain mosquito repellent chemicals (Piperazines) which
repulse the mosquito from the skin. Even in the worst scenario for the
mosquito, some unlucky mosquitoes are killed in biting.
MOSQUITO
ATTRACTION TO CARBON DIOXIDE SOURCE
A
mosquito can detect carbon dioxide from 115 feet. The auxiliary palp in the
head of the female mosquito detects the carbon dioxide, which points to the
prey site. As the level of carbon dioxide increases, it draws more mosquitoes
to the area. If the attraction site is crowded, the mosquito selects the target
based on his exhaling cocktail. The cocktail of expiration is the volume of
octanol, fatty acids, uric acid, and lactic acid. After knowing this simple
concept, we can predict who will be affected more. Exercise or other heavy
tasks raise our metabolic rate. In return, we inhale more and produce more CO2.
It provides a simple answer to why mosquito bites some people and not
others.
CERTAIN
CHEMICALS PRODUCED BY OUR BODY
Mosquito is attracted to uric acid, lactic acid, and ammonia, which are secreted during a workout. The area where more sweat glands are present produces more chemicals and becomes more appealing for the mosquito. The chemicals present on our skin are controlled by our genetics and surrounding the environment.
BACTERIA
ON SKIN SURFACE:
The
chemicals present in our body are partially controlled by the skin inhabiting
bacteria. Some bacteria produce mosquito-loving chemicals (volatiles), which
invite more mosquitoes. This effect can explain why mosquitoes bite more on
hands and feet than other parts of the body. Actually, in these areas of the
body, more active colonies of bacteria are present. These parts are easy to
find. The number of bacteria and the type of bacteria determine the victim. As
the type of bacteria and their number slightly differ from person to person, it
affects mosquito attraction for the body. This aspect explains why do
mosquitoes bite some people and not others.
PREGNANCY
As
pregnant women are metabolically more active, which means they exhale more CO2.
It makes them prone to a mosquito bite. Additionally, the warmer average
temperature of pregnant women lures more mosquitoes.
The
abovementioned factors are uncontrollable, but here are the points which can be
controlled.
CLOTHING
A
mosquito is a visual creature, which attracted by some specific colors. When
you wear yellow color, particularly in the later afternoon, you raise an
antenna for mosquitos. Dark colors like blue, red and black are more appealing
than light colors for mosquitoes.
ALCOHOL
A
small study in 2002 suggests that mosquitoes prefer to bite drunk people
because it makes your skin tastier. Moreover, alcohol increases the temperature
of your body and makes your body sweatier. The underlying mechanism of this
process is unknown. This factor also explains why do mosquitoes bite some
people and not others
MOVEMENT
Movement of the body increases the mosquito lust up to 50%. As the mosquito bite, the movement of the body increases, which attracts more mosquitoes and is a sign of a potential target for mosquitoes. Additionally, bodywork for motion increases temperature and respiration. Moreover, it distinguishes you from surrounding for biting. And then you question, “Why do mosquitoes bite me only?”
Mosquito
not only causes itch and noise but are also the carrier of serious diseases.
Like, MALARIA, DENGUE, CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS, ZIKA VIRUS, WEST NILE VIRUS. So,
it is necessary to avoid their biting. Use long sleeves shirts and pants.
Though it is not a perfect solution, it provides protection. Because sometimes
these clothes are unbearable in summer. So, a person can use mosquito repellent
solutions approved by CDC.
Keep your surroundings clean and minimize water sites.
The article is produced by Muhammad Islam, one of the contributors to the SOL Community.
