4 Reasons You Are Mosquito Bait (And What You Can Do About It)

Summer means heat, humidity, and yes, MOSQUITOES! Have you ever felt like you were just a mosquito magnet, waking up the next day with numerous itchy, red bites/bumps? They can be quite annoying, and in some cases, deadly. If you decide to spend time outside during these not-so-normal times, find out what may make you more attractive to these pesky insects below:

1. Carbon Dioxide 

Apparently, mosquitoes have a great sense of smell. They prey on certain scents that they can detect from a far distance. According to an instructor at the Harvard School of Public Health and adviser to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Richard Pollack, “mosquitoes are adept at figuring out where their target is by following their scent. If you were to exercise vigorously, you would produce more carbon dioxide for a brief period, and likely be more attractive to a mosquito.” Other more likely victims are individuals living with obesity and pregnant women. They produce more carbon dioxide on average.

Remedy: If you are exercising outside, be sure to keep your body cool and hydrated by drinking non-sugary drinks.

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2. Heat 

Mosquitoes are out to get blood! The best place for them to do this is on an area of the body where they can have easy access. According to Dr. Jonathan Day, a professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida, “before mosquitoes can take a bite, they have to find an area of the body where the blood is close to the surface. Common areas include the forehead, wrists, elbows and neck.” If you are overheated, you are bound to have blood closer to the surface of the skin. For instance, someone who has just finished working out has their blood pumping, and those mosquitoes are looking for them. “They use the heat to very quickly determine where blood is closest to the surface,” said Day.

Remedy: On really hot days when you have to be outside, keep a cool cloth or rag around your neck to cool your body by a few degrees.

3. Beer and Alcohol

According to a small study done by the National Institute of Health, alcohol intake may make you more vulnerable to mosquito bites. The study examined mosquitoes landing on the skin of a test group of individuals who had ingested beer versus those who hadn’t. I guess you may want to stick to water at your next family barbecue!

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Remedy: If you are drinking, try to stay out of the heat for extended periods. You can also periodically digest water to keep your blood from being full of alcohol.

4. Genetics

Some folks simply get bitten more. According to a study done back in 2004 and published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, “mosquitoes landed on people with type O blood nearly twice as often as those with type A. Those with type B blood fell in the middle.” Dr. Martin Donnelly, from the School of Tropical Medicine at the University of Liverpool, says that “Eighty-five per cent of the reason why mosquitoes prefer you is genetic.” Your genetic pool determines both your blood type and the chemical makeup of your skin.

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Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends these steps to stay bite-free:

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• Use EPA-Registered Repellents: When used as directed, these are the most effective way to prevent bites. Look for products containing:
  • DEET: Long-lasting and widely effective (e.g., Cutter, OFF!).
  • Picaridin/Icaridin: Often preferred for being odorless and non-greasy (e.g., Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard).
  • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD: A highly effective plant-based alternative. Note: Do not use on children under 3 years old.
  • IR3535: Another effective, EPA-approved option.
• Cover Up: When weather permits, wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Light-colored clothing is often less attractive to mosquitoes than dark colors.
• Create Barriers: Use air conditioning or ensure window and door screens are in good repair to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Empty, drain, or cover containers like birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, and tires at least once a week.

When to See a Doctor

While most mosquito bites cause only minor itching, they can occasionally transmit serious viruses like West Nile, Zika, or Dengue. You should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Signs of Infection: Increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus around the bite site, or if a bite becomes increasingly painful over several days.
• Systemic Symptoms: If you develop a sudden fever, severe headache, body aches, joint pain, rash, or vomiting in the days or weeks following exposure to mosquitoes.
• Allergic Reaction: If you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat, seek emergency medical care immediately.

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