The reason some people get bitten by mosquitoes far more often than others is not simple luck or blood type, but differences in genes, body odor and physical traits, according to an expert analysis.
Britain's Daily Mail on Tuesday introduced why mosquitoes bite certain people more frequently and effective ways to prevent it, citing Dr. Mojca Kristan, an assistant professor of medical entomology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
According to Kristan, mosquitoes are influenced by genetic factors, internal chemical characteristics and biological differences that vary from person to person. In particular, fatty acids produced by microbes living on the skin and a distinctive body odor are cited as key factors that attract mosquitoes. The subtle smell produced by skin bacteria plays an important role in determining a mosquito's target, she explained.
Mosquitoes are also sensitive to carbon dioxide and body temperature. They can detect the carbon dioxide a person exhales from about 30 meters away, and when they come within about 1 meter, they detect body temperature and approach. For this reason, people who exhale a lot or have a high body temperature are relatively more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.
By contrast, Kristan took a cautious stance on the popular belief that blood type attracts mosquitoes. Although some studies have found that mosquitoes prefer certain blood types, Kristan said the actual influence of genetic factors such as DNA and body odor is far greater than that of blood type.
Other studies have found that women in the middle stage of pregnancy are also a group that attracts many mosquitoes. Their body odor was found to contain more of a component called "1-octen-3-ol," which is produced during the breakdown of sebum, than in other people.
Alcohol can also have an effect. Researcher Frédéric Simard explained that drinking beer raises body temperature, increases the carbon dioxide expelled through breathing, and even changes skin odor, potentially attracting more mosquitoes.
Experts advise that to avoid mosquitoes, the first step is to eliminate their breeding environment. Because mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, it is important to manage flowerpot saucers, water containers and drains around the house so that water does not collect.
For repellents, products containing diethyltoluamide (DEET) are considered most effective. This ingredient interferes with a mosquito's ability to detect a person's body odor, reducing the approach itself. On the other hand, mosquito-repellent bracelets or bands sold in stores have almost no effect, Kristan pointed out.
Indoor repellent devices also vary in effectiveness depending on the product. Liquid chemical fumigators help block mosquitoes' approach by forming a protective layer in the air, but the effectiveness of ultrasonic electronic repellent devices has not been proven, she explained.
In the evening hours when mosquitoes are most active, it is best to reduce skin exposure with long pants and socks. In particular, the feet and ankles are areas that produce a lot of sweat and odor, so mosquitoes often target them, requiring special care. Experts said the range of activity of mosquitoes that carry pathogens is gradually expanding, advising that using loose long clothing, mosquito nets and repellents together, eating light meals and cutting back on drinking can help.
