Why Are Some People More Susceptible to Mosquito Bites Than Others?

[Article déjà publié le 15 juin 2023]

The mosquitoes are attracted to the CO₂ and the smell of our skin

When they are remotely, it is first the CO₂ who tells them that there is someone, or something to sting: indeed, all the animals, man included, expire co₂. It is often not the same mosquito species that bite humans and animals, because each species has its preferences. Once close to their targets, it is the smell of the skin that will determine who they will sting. This smell depends on many chemical molecules, and will be modulated by our genetics, our sweat, our hormones …

If the smell of the skin is the main factor, others can come into account. For example, a study discovered that mosquitoes were attracted to colors close to human skin such as red, orange or black. But unless you color the skin in blue, it doesn't help much to avoid them! Apart from classic techniques such as mosquito nets and anti-mosquito repellents, scientists try to identify the molecules that mosquitoes prefer in the smell of the skin. This could make it possible to make particularly effective mosquito traps.

Finally, just because you feel like you are bitten that mosquitoes prefer! It is also possible that you simply make stronger reactions than those around you with mosquito bites. If the others hardly feel their bite, you will then have the impression of being more stung than them.

Read also: Faced with the decline of insects, it is urgent to act! In an opinion, the Academy of Sciences alerts in the decline of insects. It returns, among other things, to its probable causes, its ecological consequences and advocates a set of measures …

Look too : Ant, cockroach, bee … every #insecte has its own personality!