Why Do Mosquitoes Bite? (and Not Only In Summer)
They disturb us in sleep with their buzzing, sting, causing swelling and itching, and can transmit a large number of diseases. Dengue, malaria, zika, West Nile virus, and chikungunya fever are just a few. In some countries it is important to avoid getting stung. But why do mosquitoes bite? Find out more in this article.
Why do mosquitoes bite?
Meanwhile, it should be noted that not all mosquitoes bite. There are 35oo species and only three go hunting for our blood: Anopheles, Culex and Aedes .
Moreover, this is limited only to the female mosquito which needs the proteins and other substances that the blood offers to produce and deposit their eggs. In short, it is a feminine behavior.
A mosquito is able to lay 30 to 300 eggs with a single sample of our blood. To complete the formation of another batch he needs to suck more.
Males, on the other hand, do not sting, because they feed on nectar and sap produced by plants. Females could also live without sucking blood, but the three species we mentioned need it to complete the reproductive cycle.
Only female mosquitoes bite because they need certain substances present in the blood.
Why do mosquito bites itch?
When they “pinch”, mosquitoes insert their mouthparts under our skin and inject some of their saliva to prevent blood from clotting as they suck. Our immune system responds to the chemicals contained in the insect’s saliva, triggering reactions such as redness, itching and swelling.
These are the most common reactions, but children, people with weaker immune systems, and those with allergies can experience more intense symptoms such as fever and hives.
Is it true that mosquitoes prefer some people more than others?
It sounds unfair, but the answer is yes. According to research, 20% of humans have an irresistible effect on mosquitoes. Entomologists have identified some elements that can attract these insects the most.
There are several factors that make us the favorite victim of mosquitoes. The best known and supported by science are the following:
1. Color of the clothes
Mosquitoes use their sense of sight to locate their prey. According to research, they tend to be attracted to dark colors like black, green and red. In a way, wearing a suit in one of these colors is like wearing a target design.
2. Type of blood
The female mosquito needs the proteins in our blood to produce eggs. It is therefore not surprising that he prefers certain blood groups. A study says that people with blood type O attract twice as many people with blood group A. Group B is located in an intermediate area.
3. The carbon monoxide that we emit with our breath
Mosquitoes have the ability to feel the carbon monoxide we emit when we breathe. When we exhale we are more vulnerable to their stings. The production of monoxide increases when we play sports or if we have a strong build.
At the same time, it must be borne in mind that, precisely because we exhale through the nose or mouth, mosquitoes are more attracted to the head. This would explain why we hear ringing in our ears at night.
4. Chemicals and body temperature
Mosquitoes can detect prey by smelling lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia and other compounds emitted through sweat. They also prefer people with a higher body temperature.
For this reason being more active exposes us more to their bites, because it increases the concentration of lactic acid and body temperature. At the same time, some genetic factors regulate the amount of uric acid and other substances.
5. Bacteria on the skin
Other scientific studies have shown that the type and quantity of bacteria present on the skin make us more palatable to the eyes of mosquitoes.
This factor would explain why some insects are so attracted to the ankles and feet that they are a good source of bacteria.
6. Pregnancy
Pregnant women are more attracted to mosquitoes. This is due to a higher carbon monoxide emission (about 21% more by volume) and a higher body temperature.
7. Drink beer
A 2002 research associated alcohol consumption with an increased propensity to be bitten by mosquitoes. The researchers noted that volunteers who drank beer attracted these insects more than others.
How to avoid getting stung?
Although for some factors there is nothing to be done, there are strategies to keep mosquitoes away, avoid annoyance and above all avoid contracting certain diseases.
- Use insect repellent.
- Wear long-sleeved dresses, pants, and socks if possible.
- Choose light colored clothing.
- Avoid going out at dawn and dusk, the times when mosquitoes are most active.
- Avoid creating a habitat for mosquitoes, such as accumulations of standing water.
- Install mosquito nets on the windows or avoid letting mosquitoes into the house.
Why do mosquitoes bite? In short..
Of the 3,500 species of mosquitoes in existence, only three bite and only females to obtain the nutrients necessary to produce and lay eggs.
Some people are more attractive to mosquitoes, including pregnant women, beer users, people with type 0 blood type and those with a certain bacterial composition on their skin. This does not mean having to change habits, but reducing the risk by taking the recommended measures.
