Do Mosquitoes Prefer a Certain Blood Type?
You may think you’re going crazy. You can’t help but ask, “why am I always the one who gets bit by mosquitoes?” We’re here to tell you, it’s not all in your head! Mosquitoes actually do prefer some people over others.
There have also been scientific studies that have tested different blood types that attract mosquitoes more. Do mosquitoes really prefer one blood type? The answer is surprisingly, “yes!” Scientists have been testing this theory since 1970! In more recent years, a Journal of Medical Entomology study further specifies what blood type mosquitoes prefer.
What Blood Type Do Mosquitoes Prefer?
Remember when your mother used to say that your blood was just sweeter? There is surprisingly some truth to that! People with Type O blood appear “tastier” to mosquitoes. One study found that mosquitoes landed on people with Type O blood nearly twice as often as those with Type A.
What about your blood type draws mosquitoes to you? Dr. Jonathan Day, mosquito expert and medical entomologist at the University of Florida, stated, “Some people produce more of certain chemicals in their skin. A few of those chemicals, like lactic acid, attract mosquitoes.” These chemicals you secrete depends on your DNA, which also determines what blood type you have.
Dr. Jonathan Day further explains that your genetics determine several other factors that could make you an object of mosquito affection. One of the most important factors determined by your genetics is your metabolic rate, or in other words, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) your body releases as it burns through its energy sources.
Through diet and exercise, you can surely improve your metabolic rate. However, are you going to start eating healthier and start going to the gym to lower your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes? If that’s your motivation for the gym, power to you! With that being said, you can only change your metabolism so much.
“Pregnant women and overweight or obese people tend to have higher resting metabolic rates, which may make them more attractive to mosquitoes,” Day further explains. When you’re engaged in physical activity, let’s say hiking, your metabolic rate will rise. This can also make you more susceptible to mosquito bites.
The clothing you wear is a good factor that you can control to veer clear of mosquitoes. Dark colors stand out more to mosquitoes than light colors. You may think twice about buying that cute navy blue swimsuit you’ve been wanting.
Dr. Jonathan Day gives further instructions of what you can do to protect yourself from being a mosquito’s new host:
1. Wear protective clothing when going outside, We aren’t talking about wearing parkas and fur boots at the swimming pool. Find light athletic wear that is breathable for your summer activities.
2. Use a mosquito repellant with 15% DEET. Make sure to read the application instructions on the bottle. DEET is safe for the skin, but try to avoid inhaling it. This type of mosquito repellant should provide protection for at least 90 minutes.
Be proactive about your mosquito protection at dawn and dusk. Because of the rise in humidity, these are the times that mosquitoes love to feed. Winds also tend to die down at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes hate the wind. “They can’t fly in a breeze faster than 1 mph,” Day says.
Don’t allow mosquitoes to trap you indoors all summer long. Now you can be more prepared to enjoy your favorite summer activities all while being bug-bite free!
If you notice a large surge of mosquitoes on your property, talk to one of our Akela professionals today about our effective treatment plans!