Some people are particularly attractive to mosquitoes in summer. Studies have shown that people with well-developed sweat glands and higher body temperature are preferred by mosquitoes. People who sweat easily have increased acidity in their blood and lactic acid levels on their skin, which makes them easy targets for mosquitoes. Additionally, mosquitoes are attracted to people with faster breathing rates as they emit more carbon dioxide and create a wetter airflow. Let's explore why some people are particularly attractive to mosquitoes and how to prevent them.

Why Are Some People Particularly Attractive to Mosquitoes?

1. Mosquitoes prefer people with well-developed sweat glands and high body temperature. People who sweat a lot have increased acidity in their blood, and the sweat they produce raises the lactic acid level on their skin, making them attractive to mosquitoes. Additionally, mosquitoes have a heat-sensitive organ in their antennae that can detect slight temperature changes. People who sweat have faster heat dissipation, which also attracts mosquitoes.

2. Mosquitoes prefer tired or people with faster breathing rates. Mosquitoes locate their prey through scent. Carbon dioxide is highly attractive to mosquitoes. They have carbon dioxide sensors on their antennae that can detect carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide exhaled by humans from a distance of up to 15 meters. After physical exertion or labor, people's breathing rate increases, exhaling relatively more carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide forms a warm and wet airflow around the head, about 1 meter above, which mosquitoes are sensitive to and will be attracted to.

Similarly, people with larger lung capacity or faster breathing rates also exhale more carbon dioxide, attracting mosquitoes.

3. Mosquitoes prefer people who wear dark-colored clothing. Black is the preferred color for mosquitoes to attack, such as Aedes mosquitoes, which prefer to land on black clothing. Blue, red, and green are also attractive colors, while mosquitoes tend to avoid people wearing white clothing. Similarly, mosquitoes prefer to bite people with darker skin tones or flushed skin.

Tips for Preventing Mosquito Bites

1. Apply mint leaves: Rub a few mint, perilla, or tomato leaves to extract their juice and apply it to the skin, avoiding the mouth area.

2. Use mugwort or mosquito coils: Light mugwort or mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes, or use dried orange peels as a natural mosquito repellent.

3. White vinegar: Spraying white vinegar indoors can also help repel mosquitoes.

4. Vitamin B2 prevention: Grind vitamin B2 tablets into a powder and mix with medical alcohol to apply to exposed areas. This can help relieve itching and repel mosquitoes.