One of the mysteries of human biology is more than solved, but we have probably never been informed. Summer is coming and with it, one of the most annoying species; mosquitoes. Do you know why they choose you to acribillarte at night? No, it’s not because your blood is sweeter, but you’re not wrong. Humans emit carbon dioxide and lactic acid, which, according to science, attracts mosquitoes like magnets.
Summer is here
Summer is one of the most desirable seasons, especially for children. Nice temperatures, holidays, trips to the beach or pool, longer days and warmer nights. Although cold lovers are not happy, we are almost in summer and the clock is already ticking for us to enjoy all its advantages. However, not everything is rosy when summer arrives. The high temperatures and humidity bring with them different insects that can become very annoying: cockroaches, ants, but above all, mosquitoes.
Who do mosquitoes prefer?
Have you ever been at a friends meeting and been the target of mosquitoes, while others are barely stung? Or are you one of the lucky ones that mosquitoes pass by unbothered? If you belong to the second group, you are certainly a privileged one. If, on the contrary, you are one of those who suffer their bites, this information could interest you.
There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes on the planet, can you believe it? Of that giant figure, only 200 of those species drink human blood. This sub-group has been studied to try to find out what tends to bite some people more than others.
Carbon dioxide and lactic acid
The relationship between carbon dioxide and lactic acid, with mosquitoes and their bites to humans has been investigated. According to researchers at the School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in London, the smell of the human body releases chemical compounds which may be more or less attractive to mosquitoes. The circle was narrowed by reducing the components to two: carbon dioxide and lactic acid. These chemical compounds are said to be naturally produced by humans, and are the ones that attract mosquitoes.
Thanks to their strong and developed sense of smell, mosquitoes can discriminate between those humans that secrete more of these compounds, choosing which one will be part of their buffet. In addition, they are able to identify the best parts of the body to bite, which usually are the ankles and feet. In addition, the study showed that the presence of parasites alters the body odor of a human being, attracting even more mosquitoes, is a great danger in regions where diseases such as malaria are still present.
Blood type
On the other hand, it is not only carbon dioxide and lactic acid. There are more factors that play an important role in mosquito selection. According to a study in the American Journal of Entomology, differences have been found in blood group preferences for mosquito selections. With a sample of 300 mosquitoes, 192 of them bitten a human. 30% were determined to be inclined towards someone with type 0 blood.
The results of the study were as follows:
- Blood group A: 34 bites, 17%.
- Blood group AB: 48 bites, 25%.
- Blood group B: 37 bites, 19%.
- Blood group 0: 59 bites, 30%.
- Multiple bites: 14 bites, 7%.
The results are not entirely conclusive, as the percentages vary widely. Although a preference for type 0 blood can be observed, it cannot be said to be the most attractive for mosquitoes. The only thing that can be said is that dealing with mosquitoes is one of the negative aspects of summer. We can only rely on insect repellents and window muskets, and hope not to be a big generator of carbon dioxide and lactic acid!
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