What Makes Mosquitoes Bite Some People Over Others?
From family barbecues to school camping trips, mosquitoes are known to spoil some of the best outdoor events. Even with citronella candles, repellant spray, and other pest management hacks, they always seem to like biting some people more than others. This isn’t just your imagination; here’s some of the science behind this bewildering fact.
3 Traits That Entice Mosquitoes to Bite
1. Color
As mosquitoes scout out your backyard for supper, they’ll be most attracted to darker colors. This is because hues like navy, red, and black stand out better against the horizon, which makes them easier to target. Since they have to fight against the wind, mosquitoes will opt for the easiest targets they can find without having to strain themselves.
2. Blood Type
Much like how humans prefer certain foods based on the way they taste, mosquitoes are drawn to specific flavors as well. Mainly, they go for people with Type O blood and bite those with Type A and B much less. Since the human body secretes chemicals related to blood type through the skin, mosquitoes are quickly able to sort out who has a specific blood type.
3. Carbon Dioxide
Mosquitoes scout out concentrations of carbon dioxide to find their prey since bi-pedal creatures emit this gas when breathing. We all exhale this gas, but some people produce it in greater quantities than others. Carbon dioxide release is regulated by your metabolic rate, or the speed at which your body turns food into energy. People who are pregnant, obese, or have recently consumed alcohol have higher resting metabolic rates, making them more attractive to mosquitoes.
For more pest management tips to help you enjoy the summer, reach out to Aloha Termite & Pest Control of Wahiawa, HI. They've been providing pest control services to home and business owners across Oahu since 1999. If you encounter termites on your property, you can rely on their fumigation services, which come with a 5-year warranty. To learn more about their pest management skills, visit the website or call (808) 622-2268 to schedule a free inspection.
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