You’re out in the backyard enjoying a beautiful summer day when slowly the sun falls beyond the horizon and night creeps in. There’s only one thing on your mind as you start itching at your ankles and debating whether or not to go inside: where’s the mosquito spray? Have you ever thought to yourself “I swear I’m a mosquito magnet” or “I feel like they’re only going after me”? Well, you could be right. Scientists have discovered reasons why 20% of people are locked into mosquito’s sights more so than others. Everybody has a unique body chemistry, and that combined with your metabolism can determine whether or not you are a mosquito magnet. These are some of the components that make up your body chemistry that may make you a larger target to those pesky blood suckers. Blood Type O Attracts More Mosquitoes According to a study, mosquitoes are twice as likely to land on you if you have blood type O compared to type A. Your body actually microscopically secretes substances that allow mosquitos to detect blood type before they land and attack. Why type O? That remains to be unknown, but research clearly shows that it is the most detectable. Most Active During a Full Moon Mosquitoes are actually 500 times more active when the moon is full according to reports from the American Mosquito Control. In addition to them lurking heavily during a full moon, the worst time of the day for mosquitos to swarm are dusk and dawn, in which some will travel up to 40 miles in order to suck on some blood. If You’re Drinking Beer, You’re a Target Drinking even one beer can greatly increase your risk of being bothered by mosquitoes, suggests a study published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. The study concluded that the percentage of mosquitoes that landed on those who drank beer was significantly higher than those who did not. They Like Their Women Pregnant A study conducted in Gambia suggests those who are expecting get bitten approximately twice as often as women who aren’t pregnant. Why is this? Researchers suggest: Mosquitoes are attracted to moisture and carbon dioxide, and women in the later stages of pregnancy exhale 21% more volume with each breath. Mosquitoes are also drawn in by warmth, and the abdomen of a pregnant women is about 1 degree warmer, which may cause the release of substances through secretion of the pores and sweat glands that mosquitos absolutely love. There is also evidence that women are more more visible to mosquitoes during certain phases of the ovulation cycle. Sweat is Their Favorite If you are thinking about taking a late night run then make sure your run all the way to your door once your done. Both the substances in sweat and the carbon dioxide we inhale guide mosquitos straight to us. Therefore, any physical activity can increase the chance at you becoming a prey. If you’re just a naturally sweaty person it is important to always use mosquito spray to reduce the risk of insect-bourne illnesses. They Prefer Dark Colored Clothes In a study comparing the appeal of various colors to mosquitoes, the research concluded the following results: Black – most attractive Red – very attractive Grey and blue – neutral Khaki, green, light khaki, and yellow – less attractive Source
