While summer is great, there is at least one thing to hate about it – mosquito bites. Of course, some people are more prone to getting bitten by those pesky bugs, but have you ever wondered why that is?
A recent survey finds that 77% of people say mosquitos have interrupted their summer activities. And it turns out there are lots of reasons why some people are more prone to mosquito bites than others.
According to research, mosquitoes are attracted to:
- People with higher body temperatures.
- People who are active during exercise, because they produce more carbon dioxide and sweat containing lactic acid, and have higher body temperatures.
- People with higher concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin’s surface.
- People with higher levels of stress (they can detect hormones related to stress).
- Pregnant women because of their higher body temperatures and production of more CO2.
- People wearing dark clothes, like reds, blacks and blues.
- Alcohol drinkers because blood vessels dilate, increasing skin temperature. Also, ethanol content in sweat attracts them.
So, what are the best ways to keep yourself from getting bitten? Steps to take include:
- Shower after exercising, to reduce sweat and decrease temperature
- Cover exposed skin
- Wear light-colored clothing
- Increase air movement on decks and patios using oscillating fans
- Of course, use EPA-registered mosquito repellent
Source:Yahoo Finance