New Delhi: With the arrival of the rainy season, the menace of mosquitoes intensifies significantly; however, you may have noticed that mosquitoes tend to bite certain people more than others. While this is often dismissed as a joke, there is actual science behind why mosquitoes target specific individuals. If you find yourself being bitten more frequently than others, let’s explore why mosquitoes are so drawn to you and what the underlying reasons are.
Mosquitoes Prefer This Combination
Mosquitoes are generally attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and moisture, using these cues to locate humans. Consequently, mosquitoes bite more frequently when a person’s body temperature is elevated or when they are sweating. They often swarm around people exercising in parks because physical exertion causes sweating and rapid breathing, leading to increased carbon dioxide release. Mosquitoes are attracted to this specific combination of factors. This is also why they are more drawn to pregnant women; during pregnancy, a woman’s body temperature tends to be higher than normal, and she exhales more carbon dioxide.
Body Scent Also Attracts Mosquitoes
Numerous microbes reside on our skin, producing specific chemicals known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). There are over 500 varieties of these chemicals on our skin, and their combined presence creates our unique body odor. Mosquitoes find the scent of certain individuals more appealing, leading them to bite those people more often.
Varied Body Reactions
When a mosquito bites, our immune system is triggered into action. This reaction varies from person to person, which is why some individuals experience more pronounced swelling or redness. That is why, when mosquitoes bite some people, there is no significant reaction, whereas others develop redness and welts on their bodies.
