Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes seem to swarm at some people while almost ignoring the person beside them? The reason is surprisingly complex. Mosquitoes rely on a combination of sensory cues to locate and select their prey. To explain what gives some unlucky people that certain je ne sais quoi that drives mosquitoes wild, we must first understand how mosquitoes find their victims.
Sight
Mosquitoes have limited vision. Their compound eyes allow them to detect movement, perceive outlines and shapes, and see in black and white. Though being able to see you can help, it is unlikely for mosquitoes to find a meal with sight alone
Smell
Mosquitoes have an incredible olfactory appendage called a maxillary palp that can detect a wide variety of chemicals, allowing them to select their preferred host.
When we breathe, we exhale carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes use to track us down. They can also smell lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia, and other markers found in sweat. A mosquito’s maxillary palp is so sensitive that it can sense these chemical signals from over 160 ft away, meaning it can find you without relying on its primitive visual abilities.
Heat-Seeking
Even a mosquito’s incredible sense of smell has its limits. Sudden movements or wind changes can easily throw a pursuing mosquito off your trail. Unfortunately for us, they have another tool in their arsenal: infrared detection. The tips of mosquito antennae contain temperature-sensitive proteins such as TRPA1 and rhodopsin, which it uses as an infrared temperature-detection sensor. This effectively allows mosquitoes to “see” body heat to track down a warm-blooded meal.
Rules of Attraction: What Makes You Irresistible To Mosquitoes
The way that mosquitoes select their host appears to be less about flavor, and more about detectability. There are a few key factors that might make some people stand out more than others:
Blood Type:
Mosquitoes have been known to favor certain blood types. Their preference can vary by species, but they generally prefer type O. Scientists are still unsure exactly what makes O blood so appealing to mosquitoes, but it is hypothesized that they can detect chemical or protein signals in the blood. Mosquito preferences can also vary depending on the specific mosquito species found in your region.
Pregnancy:
What should you expect when you’re expecting? Mosquitoes. Not only are pregnant bodies slightly warmer, but they also emit more CO2, which makes them particularly easy targets for hungry mosquitoes.
Bacteria Profile:
Mosquitoes can detect the amount and diversity of bacteria on your skin. Certain types of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus epidermis and Corynebacterium amycolatum, produce lactic acid, which attracts mosquitoes. Mosquitoes prefer to bite areas of the body where these bacteria are more abundant, such as the feet and ankles. The more diverse your skin microbiota is, the less appealing you are as a snack. Understanding these factors is crucial in developing effective mosquito control strategies.
Carbon Dioxide Output:
The more carbon dioxide you exhale, the easier it is for mosquitoes to find you. Factors such as body size, metabolism, and activity level all play a role in how much CO2 you release and how attractive you are to mosquitoes.
Genetics:
Approximately 80% of the population carries a gene (FUT2), which instructs the body to secrete blood-type antigens into body fluids like saliva and sweat. “Secretor” status is a much more attractive quality to mosquitoes than blood type alone, though O blood types are more likely to be secretors.
Alcohol Consumption:
If you were on the fence about cutting back, maybe this will sway your decision: mosquitoes display a noticeable preference for people who have recently consumed alcohol. They cannot metabolize alcohol, so they won’t get a “buzz” from drinking boozy blood, but the increase in sweat production and body temperature caused by drinking makes it easier for mosquitoes to find you.
Clothing Color:
Mosquitoes can see you better if you wear dark or saturated clothing. They may not be able to see the full spectrum, but bold colors can still make you stand out visually. Opt for light-colored or earth toned clothing when going outdoors.
Tips For Preventing Bites:
Certain factors, such as blood type and genetic status are outside our control, but there are ways that people can protect themselves.
1. Wear Light-Colored, Loose Clothing:
Not only does loose clothing make it more difficult for mosquitoes to reach your body through the excess fabric, but it also disperses Infrared body heat and makes it harder for mosquitoes to find you. Light colors can help break up your silhouette and make you invisible to hungry mosquitoes.
2. Take It Easy:
The more you work up a sweat, the easier it is for mosquitoes to pick up your scent and detect your heat signature
3. Use Repellents:
Using EPA-approved repellents and treating your outdoor clothes with permethrin can help keep mosquitoes away and reduce your risk of getting bit.
4. Remove Mosquito Harborage In Your Yard
Reduce mosquito populations around your home by taking their breeding grounds out of the equation. Remove anything that can accumulate standing water such as brush piles, toys, buckets, and lawn debris. Empty bird baths daily to prevent mosquito growth.
At Modern Pest Services, our trained professionals understand these factors and are experts in developing effective mosquito control strategies tailored to the New England region. We can help you take back your yard from mosquitoes.
Take back your yard from mosquitoes and contact Modern Pest today