Do you ever feel as if mosquitos just love you for some
reason? Well scientists say this is due to much more than paranoia. Some people
are naturally more appealing to mosquitos because of the chemicals and odors
they secrete. Here is why you might be a favorite for feasting mosquitoes:
1. You’re sweating
You may be one of those hard core
runners, who runs no matter how hot it is outside. Well beware of the bugs. The
lactic acid that is released when you sweat attracts hungry mosquitos. When you
sweat a lot during intense exercise, your rising body temperature is also
attractive to mosquitos looking for a warm host. It is best to work out indoors
during hot, buggy days.
2. You’ve got a bun in the oven
That’s right. If you’re pregnant,
the mosquitos just can’t get enough of you. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon
dioxide. The female ones, the ones that bite us, even have specific receptors
that help them discover the gas around them. When you are pregnant, especially
in the final trimester, you exhale about 21% more carbon dioxide then the rest
of us. That is why pregnant women experience about twice as many bug bites on
average. Researchers believe that pregnant women may also release certain odors
that are pleasing to insects, drawing them closer. Make sure to wear your bug
repellent this summer.
3. You are drinking an iced cold beer
Beer is tasty to mosquitos and
humans. In fact, studies in West Africa and Japan show that people who drank
beer rather than water were much more attractive to mosquitoes. Make sure to
protect against bites at those outdoor sporting events and concerts this
summer.
4. You have the right kind of blood
That’s right, blood-sucking
mosquitoes have a preference when it comes to blood type, and unfortunately for
people with type O, it’s you. Apparently type O blood may have a certain odor
that is particularly pleasing to a hungry mosquito, and you are her number one
landing preference.
5. You have that special something
Studies that include identical
twins have shown that certain genetic make-up can cause you to be more
susceptible to bug bites. Some people naturally repel mosquitos because of
their genes, while others might actually attract bugs just by being who they
are, genetically.
The best way to avoid those pesky bites is to
cover up. Wear long-sleeved clothing and apply bug spray that includes DEET to
your exposed skin and over your clothes.