Mosquitoes have come out energetically this year. They seem to be bigger and meaner than ever. For some reason, mosquitoes seem to bother some people more than others.
Scents From Skin Draws Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are fussy about whose blood they like to feast upon, according to an article in WebMD by Elizabeth Heubeck. One out of ten people seem to be a mosquito magnet. Not all mosquitoes suck blood either. Jerry Butler, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of Florida, reports that it is only the females that suck blood, and not the males. Females do this because they need it to help develop fertile eggs.
Researchers do not know why mosquitoes single out different people, but they are doing studies to figure out the reason why. Joe Conlon, PhD, technical advisor to the American Mosquito Control Associations, is conducting research on the compounds or odors that people exude that attract mosquitoes. There are over 400 different compounds to examine and testing them all will take time.
What the researchers do know is genetics account for 85 percent of whether or not a person will be bitten. Certain elements emitted from people's skin, makes mosquitoes swarm closer. If a person has a high concentration of steroids or cholesterol on his skin surface, this helps to attract mosquitoes.
Certain acids such as uric and lactic acid attract mosquitoes. These scents trigger the mosquito’s sense of smell and draw them toward the scent. Mosquitoes have an impressive sense of smell. They can detect these scents from 50 meters away. Mosquitoes love carbon dioxide, pregnant women and larger people because they give off more carbon dioxide. They are also attracted to heat and movement.
Where Can a Person Live and Not Have Mosquitoes
These little annoying insects can fly 40 miles for food, so where a person lives is also a factor. Stagnant water sources are their breeding grounds. They love water that does not move.
Most people would assume that the desert should be mosquito free. No, because wherever there is water, there are mosquitoes in abundant swarms. Up high in the mountains? No, mosquitoes are found even in the Himalayan Mountains. Even in cold climates like Alaska, a person is not safe. There are about three-weeks, between July and August when those little pests come out. In Alaska, mosquitoes are so large they are jokingly called "the state bird".
How Can a Person Keep Mosquitoes at Bay
Mosquito repellents are one way, but they can cause health problems. Picaridin has been used all over the world and is effective as the sprays that contain DEET. Picaridin is pleasant to use and doesn't leave skin with that sticky pesticide feeling. It is safe for children over 2 months. This product is sold as Cutter Advanced.
A product make by Avon, Skin-So-Soft, has been a favorite of many and used for years. Vanilla is a natural alternative. Just spray some all over or carry a dryer sheet around.
If you don't like chemical sprays, try some other oils. There is a soybean oil based repellent that gives protection for 1.5 hours. Other oils include citronella, cedar, peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium. Another alternative is the oil of lemon eucalyptus. This one is sold under the brand name, Repel, and is safe for children over the age of three. This one lasts the longest of all the oils so far.
To spend some time outdoors for a BBQ, get together or pool party there are mosquito traps. These have not been on the market very long. This trap works by emitting substances such as carbon dioxide, heat moisture, etc., those mosquitoes find attractive. What the traps do is trap or kills the female mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes carry the West Nile virus and some people are allergic to them. Almost all towns and cities spray to keep the mosquito population down, but it is a never ending battle. The mosquito endured through the beginning of time and probably always will.
