It seems that these days, mosquito “season” is year-round here in South Florida, forcing us to be on guard all of the time. But some of us need to take more precaution than others. Mosquito bites can be dangerous, even deadly, and for some people, they could spark an allergic reaction. Are you a “mosquito magnet?” Many people are, and there’s an explanation as to why some mosquitoes bite certain people more than others.
But before we go any further, let’s do away with the myths that supposedly increase your risk of being a mosquito target. There’s very little if any evidence that connects mosquito bites with the following: skin color, perfume, eating bananas, or age. Done and done. And by the way, not all mosquitoes bite us. That distinction goes only to the female mosquito, who uses our blood to develop her eggs. The male mosquito prefers nectar from flowers.
Are You A Mosquito Magnet?
Mosquitoes target an estimated 20 percent of us, for their blood meal. But how do they go about choosing their target? Is it a case of someone being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Perhaps. There’s no one simple answer. It seems a variety of elements can attract these annoying, sometimes dangerous pests.
Sweat Attracts Mosquitoes
The sense of smell is a big deal for mosquitoes, who use that as their primary selection method.
And they apparently like certain body scents or odors – especially those of us with sweat on our skin. Sweat emits certain gases, such as lactic acids, that attract mosquitoes. Power walkers or runners who build up a serious sweat outside might attest to this.
CO2 – The Carbon Dioxide Connection
Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide (CO2) we produce and can sense it up to 160 feet away. Some of us naturally produce more carbon dioxide and are targeted more than others. A prime example is larger or heavier people, who tend to exhale more gases. *A not-so-fun fact: we exhale CO2 through our nose and mouth, which is why we hear mosquitoes buzzing around our ears, waking us up at night.
A Warning for Pregnant Women
Keeping in line with the CO2 connection, unfortunately, mosquitoes are naturally attracted to some pregnant women, who give off more – an estimated 20% more carbon dioxide – than non-pregnant women. Pregnant women need to be extra vigilant to protect themselves and their unborn baby from the Zika virus.
Your Blood Type May Be More Appetizing
O(h) – really. Your blood type could get you in trouble. And what blood type attracts mosquitoes? Studies find that in a controlled setting, mosquitoes landed on people with Type O blood nearly twice as often as those with Type A blood. So, there may be a connection to your genes.
Change the Color of Your Clothing, Change Your Luck
Some research suggests that wearing dark-colored clothing can put you on a mosquito’s radar because those colors resemble the “insects” – mammals that mosquitoes usually target. Scientists also say that mosquitoes are visual beings and spot darker clothing more easily and quicker. There’s an easy solution: lighten it up by wearing lighter-color, looser clothing when you’re outside.
We Can Help You Battle Annoying Mosquitoes
Now that you know why some mosquitoes bite certain people more than others, perhaps you’ll change your game plan, and that can start with an excellent solution for mosquito control. And it starts right here, with SWAT Mosquito System, home to the best mosquito misting systems in South Florida. Our system works, and without harming the environment.
Call Us Today and Experience the SWAT Difference
If you’re looking for the best mosquito-control company in South Florida, call SWAT Mosquito Systems®️ at 866-900-SWAT. We’ll be more than happy to come out and discuss your bug battle, along with our products and methods and how they can help you manage your pest problems and rid your yard of mosquitoes and no-see-ums.