9 Reasons Why You’re a Mosquito Magnet

[W!nston]

I read this and thought it would make a good subject for a GayHeaven Poll.

How many of the nine listed factors do you have? I have at least three of the nine. I 'Breathe'. I am 'Tall'. I have 'O Blood Type'. I may have another factor but only my partner could confirm it - 'My Feet Stink' - but he always says my feet smell like feet so I don't know if they stink more than they should or if they stink just the right amount, lol.

9 Reasons Why You’re a Mosquito Magnet
YAHOO! News | Ryan Wallace | Jul 14, 2014

Mosquitoes are picky creatures — unsurprising if you’re the one always ducking for cover under a swarm of bloodsuckers while your friend remains unscathed. Good thing scientists are on the hunt to discover what makes certain people especially attractive to the tiny insects. Here are nine reasons they’ve come up with so far.

You Breathe

In many ways, no one is immune. The fact that humans breathe makes us all mosquito targets to varying degrees. More than 30 years ago, researchers discovered that carbon dioxide is one of the main reasons mosquitos seek us out. The insects will fly to higher concentrations of CO2 (i.e. - large groups of people at sporting events and backyard parties), then use other sights and smells to narrow down their target.

You’re Tall

Because larger people produce more carbon dioxide and more body heat, they’re naturally more attractive to mosquitoes. This is why, when in groups, adults usually get bitten more than children, and men are targeted more often than women.

You’re Pregnant

Along with swollen feet and morning sickness, pregnant women are also nearly twice as likely to get bitten than those who are not expecting, according to one international study. Two reasons: Pregnant women produce excess amounts of carbon dioxide and body heat.

You Exercise Regularly

During a workout, the body produces a chemical called lactic acid, which is released through sweat glands on the skin. And one German study confirmed that mosquitoes can detect and are attracted to lactic acid at close range.

Your Feet Stink

One study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that people with a higher abundance but lower diversity of bacteria on their feet are highly attractive to mosquitoes. The bacteria, which is pungent, is also found in Limburger cheese and is so effective at attracting mosquitoes, that scientists are using the cheese to trap and control the flies in Africa.

You’re Wearing Perfume

Mosquitoes suck the nectar of flowers for energy, so they’re attracted to floral scents. And certain floral odors are effective enough that researchers are figuring out how to use them to lure mosquitoes with their sweetness.

You’re Genetically Predisposed

Your genes are responsible for your body odor, so scientists are starting to test how genetic makeup could affect one’s susceptibility to mosquitoes. For example, one study published in the journal Infections, Genetics, and Evolution found that people with a particular HLA gene are more likely to be bitten.

You Drink Beer

Downing just one 12-ounce beer can increase the risk of being bitten, says the Journal of the American Mosquito Association, although it’s unclear why. Just make sure that backyard beer is worth it.

You Have O Blood Type

This one is debatable. Several studies, including the most recent published in the journal Experimental Parasitology, show that people with blood type O are more likely to get bitten. However Joseph M. Conlon, a technical adviser to the American Mosquito Control Association, has disputed some of the research, blaming “bad statistics.”

 

[bigsal]

I am very appreciated by mosquitoes, so I have doented on this subject.

All the reasons listed are valid, with the exception of no. 9 ( I agree with Joseph M. Conlon), but the more correct statement is that of "Genetically Predisposed" (85% of cases).

Missing another factor that is not in the list: the "cholesterol." Sufferers of this condition is subject to the attentions of mosquitoes, and I as I know something.

Unfortunately, although physically normal, my body produces more cholesterol than you need, to the delight of these annoying and unbearable insects.

 

[noiraud]

Since I only have one of the nine factors -- I'll let you guess which one -- mosquitos typically ignore me and fly straight at others. When I was a child, however, I often had clouds of the little buggers hovering around me whenever I stepped outside. I must've breathed deeper back then...? Fun poll, thanks, Sniffit!

 

[gorgik9]

Why is people ranting about mosquitos? They're not the real summer menace, that's the gnats. A big swarm of gnats can kill cows and horses, and they will make people mad.

 

[tonka]

Around the beaches south of Boston, it's horseflies. Also called green heads.
This is a big fly that breeds in the reeds around the saltwater rivers.
The fly is BIG. And it's head is green and evil.
This thing takes a bite out of you. It hurts, and you bleed.