8 reasons why mosquitoes bite you more than others. How to protect yourself, says allergist

allergist, therapist

To some people mosquitoes literally stick and bite more than others. What does this have to do with?

1. Mosquitoes like colored and darker clothing. Studies show that they gravitate more toward green, red, black surfaces than white or gray, suggesting that it is easier for them to see these colors. Contrasting patterns and prints, such as those on a chessboard, are also considered attractive to them. Therefore, the safest option in nature is closed and light-colored items.

2. Scientists have found that eating sweet, salty, spicy or potassium-rich foods attracts more mosquitoes. Presumably, this could be everyone’s favorite food – bananas.

3. Mosquitoes are attracted to alcohol because of its ethanol content. In addition, drinking alcohol raises body temperature, which makes blood even more tasty for them. They are especially attracted to beer drinkers.

4. Mosquitoes are especially tempted by certain bacteria that live on human skin. And they are especially fond of ankles and feet, because these areas are extremely favorable for the reproduction of microorganisms that produce large amounts of carboxylic acids. These substances are what the insects are after.

5. Bloodsuckers love sweat. They are attracted to lactic acid, ammonia, and other compounds in it.

6. Female mosquitoes are also attracted to heat, even if there are other sources of heat available, such as a lamp.

7. Mosquitoes are selective by blood type, with blood types I (0) and IV (AB) being the most palatable to them.

8. One of the key ways mosquitoes find their targets is by smelling carbon dioxide. As they breathe, this substance is released and attracts insects even tens of meters away. This is why they usually bite adults and prefer overweight people and pregnant women.

What can you do to get bitten less often?

• Take a shower after a workout to wash off sweat.
• Avoid exercising outdoors as you will create a large cloud of CO2 that will attract mosquitoes.
• Wear light-colored clothing and long-sleeved shirts.
• Avoid going outside in the morning and at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Avoid bodies of standing water, where mosquitoes like to live and breed.
• Use mosquito nets.

What repellents are the safest and most effective?

There are two types of repellents:

• Repellents that affect only the olfactory receptors of insects;

• Acaricide-based products that affect the insect’s nervous system. To make sure a product is safe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends checking the label for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval.

The most effective product is considered the one with the following ingredients:

• DEET (DEET, diethyltuloamide), the most active ingredient;
• IR3535 (less toxic than DEET);
• picaridin (KBR 3023);
• oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE, PMD P-methane-3,8-diol) – also has a place, but has significantly lower efficacy;
• acaricide (permethrin or alfamethrin) is transferable only to clothing, stroller, tent.

For children:

• do not use insect repellent with lemon eucalyptus for children under three years of age;
• use no more than 30% DEET for a child;
• do not apply insect repellent to children under two months of age (preferably wearing closed clothing and using mosquito nets). In the USA and Europe, use is allowed from two months of age, in the Russian Federation – from two years of age;
• do not use sprays and aerosols on very young children because they may inhale the product.

For pregnant women:

Pregnant and nursing women may use EPA-approved repellents. Always follow the directions on the label. It is preferred to use DEETA or IR3535.

Relevant to all:

• do not inhale when spraying, apply to palms first, then to face;
• take care not to get the product on mucous membranes during application. Otherwise, rinse with water;
• do not apply to skin areas with damage (irritation, abrasions);
• apply the repellent on clothes and on exposed areas of the body;
• mosquito repellent should be renewed every two hours;
• apply repellent only after SPF protection;
• make sure to wash your hands after applying the repellent.

What doesn’t work against insects:

• electronic units that emit ultrasound;
• protective products based on various extracts and oils (cinnamon, lavender, peppermint);
• various protective bracelets.

What to treat the bite with to make it itch less?

To begin with, let’s look at the differences between a bite and an allergy. These are completely different things. Unwanted reactions to the bite are caused by special molecules in the saliva of mosquitoes, but they do not work on everyone.

It is generally believed that if the blister from the bite is more than 2 cm, it is an allergy, and it is manifested by a large blister, swelling, localized redness of the skin, pain at the site of the bite.

More serious reactions to the bite, such as anaphylaxis, in which there is a real threat to human life, are very rare. In this case – urgent call an ambulance. Until then, you can take the following actions:

1. The first rule is to try not to scratch. With active scratching, itching only intensifies, and the risk of infection increases.
2. If possible, take a shower or just wash (water) the bite site well.
3. Apply ice if available.
4. Apply (ideally cooled) aloe vera or menthol hydrogels, zinc-based products to clean skin.
5. Take allergy medication, if any, as prescribed by a doctor.

In case of severe pain and swelling, consult a doctor.