THE ENEMY - Why do mosquitoes bite some people and not others?

Hey lovely Steemers!

For mosquitoes, we are not all equal. While some people do not seem to attract them, others are prime targets for these biting insects. Only mosquito females bite to collect the blood of mammals in order to obtain the proteins necessary for the development of their eggs.

Not all of the factors that make skin particularly attractive are known, but several studies have identified some of the body chemicals and odors emitted by the skin that excite the appetite of female mosquitoes. It's the chemistry of the body that attracts mosquitoes and black flies!

Attracted by CO2 and perspiration

The eyes of the Diptera (black flies, mosquitoes, etc.) allow them to detect their hosts from afar. These insects are guided by the infrared radiation produced by the body when it releases heat. They are also attracted by the dark colors.

The antennae of mosquitoes, equipped with sensory bristles, are sensitive to certain odors. The mosquito detects the carbon dioxide (CO2) that we release with our breathing!

The odor of sweating also stimulates the mosquito. The lactic acid produced by the muscles during the effort attracts mosquitoes.

We still don't know all the odors from the human body that mosquitoes manage to detect. Some people attract more mosquitoes than others and this would be related to their body chemistry.

Mosquitoes seem to feel the people who have developed a certain tolerance to their presence and go less towards them. These people probably release a chemical compound that makes them less attractive.

The best way to avoid bites is to wear light colored clothing, to have clean skin and stop agitating !

Thanks for reading!