Have you ever sat with other people and noticed that mosquitoes seem to target you more than everyone else? It may not be your imagination. Mosquitoes use several signals to locate humans, and some people are more attractive to them than others.
1. Your body releases more carbon dioxide: Mosquitoes detect carbon dioxide from breathing. People who produce more of it may be easier for mosquitoes to locate.
2. Your natural body odour: Skin bacteria and natural body chemicals produce scents that can influence how attractive someone is to mosquitoes.
3. Your body temperature: Mosquitoes can detect heat. Warm skin may help them locate a suitable place to land.
4. Physical activity: After exercise, increased breathing, body heat and sweat may make some people easier for mosquitoes to find.
5. Clothing colour: Some mosquito species respond to visual cues. Dark clothing may make people easier to detect in certain conditions.
6. Pregnancy: Pregnant women may attract more mosquitoes because of changes in body temperature and increased carbon dioxide production.
7. Individual differences: Genetics and natural skin odours may help explain why mosquitoes prefer certain people.
How can you protect yourself?
Use an approved insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers when practical, install window screens and sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Remember that mosquito bites are not just irritating. Some mosquitoes transmit malaria and other infections. In Nigeria, preventing mosquito bites is an important part of protecting your health.
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