With sunny days also returns a well -known war: that against mosquitoes. These insects proliferate as soon as temperatures climb and invite themselves into our rooms, our gardens and our summer evenings. But strangely, faced with this scourge, some people complain about many bites, when others seem spared. Why do some people devour while others aren’t it? The answer could be hidden … in your blood.
The mosquitoes prefer you … if you are from the group O
A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology In 2004 revealed that blood groups are dive twice as often as those in group A. People in group B, on the other hand, are between the two. And a Japanese study, focused on the tiger mosquito (Aedes Albopictus), confirmed this trend: 85 % risk of being bitten for group O against less than 45 % for others. If this is your case, this may explain in part why you are the favorite of these insects.
A story of Co₂, bodily smell … and genetics
The blood group is not doing everything. Other causes can also orient mosquitoes towards your epidermis.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)that we will expire while breathing, is their first radar. Adults, pregnant women or large people, who emit more, are therefore privileged targets;
- Lactic acidreleased by the skin after an effort or during digestion, also attracts them;
- Bodily odors play a major role. Each individual has a unique olfactory signature, influenced by genetics. A 2015 study, published in Plos Oneeven showed that the attraction of mosquitoes for some people is inherited, suggesting an important role in genes.
- On the other hand, unlike certain received ideas, mosquitoes are not attracted to “sweet blood”, nor to foods like garlic. They are not fond of light either: their vision is limited, and they prefer shaded and humid areas.
- According to a recent study, soap changes our body smell but also the way mosquitoes perceive us as “potential blood donors”. Indeed, mosquitoes are not only nourished by blood – their main source of food is the nectar of plants. Thus, to spray themselves with fragrant substances derived from certain plants or imitating their scents (pineapple, mimosa, musk, vanilla …) could accentuate your attractiveness.
False friends and real protections
On the repellent side, lemongrass, essential oils or anti-mosquito bracelets offer very limited efficiency. According to the High Authority for Health, only four active ingredients are really recommended:
- Deet
- IR 3535
- Picaridine
- PMD RDO
“Even if it is not easy, the general public should retain the name of these molecules in order to be able to buy really effective products”, advised Stéphane Robert, founder of the vigilance-mosquito site in a previous article.
To limit the risks of bites, it is also necessary to eliminate the sources of the problem. Mosquitoes, and in particular the tiger mosquito, proliferate in wetlands: a simple container of stagnant water is enough to attract them. The latter remains very localized, rarely moving beyond ten meters from its laying place-unlike more classic species, capable of browsing long distances.
On the outfit side, it is better to bet on loose clothes, covering and light color. The tight fabrics do not stop the bites, especially at the arms, ankles or cuffs.
Finally, to spend quiet nights, the installation of mosquito nets on the windows or around the bed remains a formidably effective solution.