Mosquito Bites And Repellents

Mosquito-borne viruses have been around as long as mosquitoes themselves, but through aggressive mosquito abatement, the availability of medical services, and other strategic measures, the United States has managed to avoid the catastrophic effects that mosquito-borne diseases and pathogens have had in other countries of the world. We are, however, not entirely safe. West Nile, malaria, and dengue virus claim many lives every year and drive thousands to seek medical attention in the U.S. And the Zika virus, which causes birth defects in unborn children at all stages of pregnancy, is beginning to appear all across the country. Now, more than ever, it is important to understand how mosquitoes bite, and what you can do to prevent bites from occurring.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

CO²

Mosquitoes are blood eaters, and they get that blood from mammals. Since all mammals breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, it only makes sense that CO² emissions would attract them. Understanding this can help you prevent bites. While it may be impossible to stop breathing, it is helpful to understand that breathing out more CO2 will make you more of a target. Whether you are several months pregnant, out for a jog, or lying in a hammock, you will be producing more CO2, and therefore be more attractive to mosquitoes.

Movement

Mosquitoes have horrible eyesight, so they must rely on things like changing light patterns to find their victims. So, the next time you're standing around waving off mosquitoes, remember that your movements actually let them know where you are.

Heat And Sweat

Mosquitoes can detect heat so they can find warm-blooded mammals. They are also drawn to moisture. If you are exerting yourself outside, not only will you be producing more carbon dioxide, you'll also be producing the heat and moisture they are drawn to.

Smells

CO² isn't the only thing we expel when we breathe out. Humans expel a variety of chemicals, some of which are attractive to mosquitoes. This may be why you're the one who always seems to get bitten at those backyard cookouts.

Dark Colors

Not only do mosquitoes zero in on shifting light patterns they also fly low to the ground and look for silhouettes. For this reason, it is a bad idea to go out in the morning or evening with dark colors on. When you wear lighter-colored clothing, you can reduce the ability of mosquitoes to detect you. This can reduce bites.