Study Suggests Why Mosquito's Are Attracted to Certain People
When it comes to being active, there are great ways to do so, and many activities call for us to be outdoors.
Whether it is camping, hiking, or going out on the river, being outside not only may help with stress levels, but also keep us active and at a healthy weight.
Although being outdoors may be rewarding for most, there is one insect in particular that may dwell on your excitement: the mosquito.
We have all experienced mosquito bites that seem to be endlessly itching and irritating.
Have you ever wondered why you get more than your friends do? There has been a recent study that suggests the reasoning for some people being bitten more than others is linked to our genetics.
This study, which was conducted by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical medicine, has shown that there are people who are more attracted to mosquitos for a particular reason. While this isn’t the first study that has tackled this topic, there have been previous studies that have uncovered reasoning’s that include: Type O Blood, bacteria on the skin and the smell of a person overall.
There are certain odors that some people possess that may be more attractive to a mosquito than other smells. The study that was conducted with the London School used 18 identical twins and 19 non-identical twins. The study had found that when mosquitos were attracted to one identical twin, they were also attracted to the other identical as well. The same was not true for the non-identical twins.
Harm & Risks
While getting bite by a mosquito is quite uncomfortable, there are more serious risks at hand. These risks include diseases such as yellow fever and dengue (to name a few). That being said, research being done on finding what attracts mosquitos the most is important in stopping the spread of serious diseases.
Protecting yourself
It may be hard to remember that mosquitos may carry harmful diseases, but it is always best to take the precautions to not only protect yourself but also your family. Just like sunscreen, mosquito repellent and other preventive measure may be taken to help lower your risk of being bitten.
How do you know which repellant to use? Well the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have mentioned that using products with the following ingredients will make for the most useful repellent:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- IR3535
- Kenib eucalyptus
- Paramethandiol
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Dave Lundy