Winton Eliott
Did you know that mosquitoes can detect your blood type and if you’re an attractive target based on this? It’s true! These pesky, disease-carrying insects are quite choosy about who they attack.
They research their victims by tasting a small drop of blood before making their final decision on whether or not to feast. Studies have also shown that clothing color plays a role in determining attractivity as well.
So, next time you find yourself constantly slapping at these pests while others around you remain untouched, consider what might be making you more desirable to them than others.
Because mosquitoes can pass on diseases like Zika, Malaria, and dengue fever, researchers have been looking at what attracts them to humans.
Blood type is one of these variables. In this post, we will look at the relationship between mosquito bites and blood type as well as other things that attract mosquitoes.
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Are mosquitoes attracted to certain blood types?
The answer is yes.
In fact, they can detect your blood type and if you’re an attractive target based on this. These pesky, disease-carrying insects are quite choosy about who they attack.
They research their victims by tasting a small drop of blood before making their final decision on whether or not to feast.
A study done in 2002 found that people with type O blood were twice as likely to be bitten by mosquitoes than those with type A blood.
The study also found that people with type B blood were intermediate between the two groups. This led the researchers to conclude that mosquitoes have a preference for blood type O over blood type A.
So, if you’re wondering why you always seem to be the one getting bitten at the picnic, it might have something to do with your blood type.
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Other things that attract mosquitoes
In addition to blood type, there are other things that make some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others. It includes:
Clothing colors
Studies have shown that clothing color plays a role in determining attractivity as well. Wearing dark colors like black or navy blue makes you more likely to be bitten than if you’re wearing light-colored clothing.
This is because mosquitoes are attracted to the contrast between dark and light colors. So, if you’re trying to avoid getting bitten, you might want to stick to wearing white or other light-colored clothes.
Carbon dioxide
Another factor that makes people more attractive to mosquitoes is how much carbon dioxide they emit. Mosquitoes are attracted to the CO2 we exhale with each breath.
This is why you’re more likely to be bitten at night when you’re asleep and exhaling more CO2 than during the day. If you’re trying to avoid getting bitten, you might want to stay away from people who are heavy breathers!
Lactic acid
Mosquitoes are also attracted to lactic acid, which is a waste product of exercise.
This is why you’re more likely to be bitten when you’re working out than when you’re at rest. If you’re trying to avoid getting bitten, you might want to take a break from your workout or go for a swim instead.
Sweat
Mosquitoes are attracted to the chemicals in our sweat. This is why you’re more likely to be bitten on a hot, humid day when you’re sweating more than usual.
If you’re trying to avoid getting bitten, you might want to take a shower before going outside or put on some mosquito repellent.
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What can you do to avoid getting bitten?
There are a few things you can do to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.
Wear light-colored clothing
According to studies, mosquitoes are attracted to the contrast between dark and light colors. Wearing white or other light-colored clothes will help you avoid getting bitten by them.
The mechanism by which they’re attracted to their prey is still not completely understood, but it’s thought that they’re looking for a specific pattern of colors that stand out against the background.
Wearing light-colored clothing makes it more difficult for them to identify you as a potential target.
In addition, mosquitoes are also attracted to movement, so wearing loose-fitting clothes that don’t constrict your movement will also help to keep them at bay.
Stay away from people who are heavy breathers.
If you’re trying to avoid getting bitten, you might want to stay away from people who are heavy breathers. This is because the more carbon dioxide a person produces, the more attractive they are to mosquitoes.
Additionally, mosquitoes are also attracted to other things like body heat, sweat, and perfume. So, if you’re trying to avoid getting bitten, you might want to avoid these things as well.
Use mosquito repellent
There are a variety of mosquito repellents available on the market. Some of them contain DEET, which is a chemical that has been shown to be effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Additionally, there are also natural repellents made with ingredients like lemon eucalyptus oil or citronella oil. Whatever repellent you choose, make sure to follow the instructions on the label and reapply it as needed.
Cover up
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants will help to keep mosquitoes away from your skin. Additionally, you can also spray your clothing with mosquito repellent for added protection.
If you’re going to be in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, you might also want to consider wearing a mosquito net over your head.
Stay indoors during peak biting times
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so you’re more likely to be bitten during these times. If you can, try to stay indoors during these times or take precautions to avoid being bitten.
Keep your skin covered
The best way to avoid being bitten by a mosquito is to keep your skin covered. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants will help to keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Additionally, you can also spray your clothing with mosquito repellent for added protection. If you’re going to be in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, you might also want to consider wearing a mosquito net over your head.
Use a fan
Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale. Using a fan will help to circulate the air and keep mosquitoes away from you.
Additionally, fans can also help to keep you cool and comfortable in hot, humid weather.
Stay in air-conditioned areas
If you’re trying to avoid mosquitoes, staying in air-conditioned areas is a good option. This is because mosquitoes are less likely to be active in cooler temperatures.
Additionally, air conditioning can also help to keep you cool and comfortable in hot, humid weather.
Avoid standing water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so avoiding areas where there is standing water will help to reduce the number of mosquitoes.
If you can’t avoid standing water, you can try to treat it with a mosquito larvicide. This will kill the mosquito larvae before they have a chance to hatch into adult mosquitoes.
Use mosquito traps
Mosquito traps are devices that use heat, light, or carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes. Once the mosquitoes are drawn to the trap, they are sucked into a chamber where they dehydrate and die.
Mosquito traps can be effective at reducing the number of mosquitoes in an area.
Change your outdoor lights
Mosquitoes are attracted to light, so changing your outdoor lights can help to keep them away. You can try using yellow bulbs instead of white bulbs or install motion-sensor lights.
Additionally, you can also turn off lights that you don’t need.
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The takeaway
While mosquitoes are attracted to all human blood, they are especially partial to certain blood types. In particular, research has shown that mosquitoes are more likely to bite people with Type O blood.
This may be because mosquitoes are attracted to the chemicals that are present in Type O blood.
Additionally, people with Type O blood tend to produce more carbon dioxide than people with other blood types, and this gas may also play a role in attracting mosquitoes.
While there is no surefire way to keep mosquitoes away, people with Type O blood can reduce their risk of being bitten by using mosquito repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing.
