Mosquitoes are everywhere, with an estimated population of around 110 trillion globally. These insects are not simply pests; they bite to obtain a ‘blood meal,’ extracting proteins necessary for egg production.
While everyone is a potential target due to the blood in our veins, certain factors can increase your appeal to these biting insects. One such factor is sweat. Female mosquitoes are drawn to the sweat of mammals, using it as a cue to locate them.
Dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, known as @dermguru on TikTok, said, “There’s actually a scientific reason for that mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and people who have a higher temperature particularly attracted to things like ammonia, uric acid, lactic acid, and so people who exercise quite a bit are more likely to get bit by mosquitoes.”
Additionally, consuming a cold beer on a warm day might make you more enticing to mosquitoes.
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Zubritsky explained, “Other things that can make you more susceptible to mosquito bites is drinking a beer. A study found that just drinking 112-ounce cans of beer can make you more attractive to mosquitoes.”
The bacteria on your skin also play a role in how likely you are to be bitten. Zubritsky stated, “The type and the number of bacteria that live on our skin can make us more or less attractive to mosquitoes also explained why we are more likely to get fit on the ankles because there’s more robust bacterial colonies in those areas.”
To reduce the chances of getting bitten, having thick body hair can be beneficial as it serves as a physical barrier. Alternatively, wearing long pants can provide protection without resembling Chewbacca on your holiday.
Insect repellent is also effective, especially those containing DEET, which can offer up to five hours of protection. Feeling itchy yet?