Mosquitoes are tiny yet deadly creatures that can cause diseases and infections to humans and animals alike. Unfortunately, we can’t avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes even if we do our best to prevent them from biting us.

In this article, we will discuss why this is the case and what we can do to protect ourselves from mosquito-borne illnesses.

What attracts mosquitoes to us?

Before we delve into why we can’t avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, we need to understand what attracts these pesky insects to us. Mosquitoes are attracted to three things: carbon dioxide, body heat, and certain chemicals in our sweat.

When we breathe, we exhale carbon dioxide, which is something that mosquitoes can detect from up to 164 feet away. Additionally, mosquitoes are also attracted to the heat our bodies produce and the chemicals in our sweat, such as lactic acid, uric acid, and ammonia.

Why can’t we avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes?

With the knowledge of what attracts mosquitoes to us, it’s easy to understand why we can’t avoid getting bitten by them. Mosquitoes are virtually everywhere, and we cannot control the environment or the mosquitoes themselves.

We can’t stop exhaling carbon dioxide or producing heat, which are two things that mosquitoes need to detect us. Even if we stay indoors or wear protective clothing, mosquitoes can still find their way to us through open windows or gaps in our clothing.

Additionally, some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others, based on factors such as blood type, body odor, and skin microbiome.

For instance, people with type O blood are more attractive to mosquitoes than those with type A or type B blood. People who produce more lactic acid or have a higher body temperature are also more attractive to mosquitoes. Even the bacteria on our skin can affect how attractive we are to mosquitoes.

So, even if two people are in the same environment, one of them may get bitten more than the other because of these factors.

How can we protect ourselves from mosquito bites?

While it’s difficult to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves from mosquito-borne illnesses. Here are some ways to reduce your risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes:.

1. Wear protective clothing

To reduce the amount of exposed skin that mosquitoes can bite, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks. Light-colored clothing is also recommended because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.

2. Use mosquito repellent

Applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin can deter mosquitoes from biting you. The most effective mosquito repellents contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

3. Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours

Most mosquitoes are active from dusk until dawn, so staying indoors during these hours can reduce your exposure to them. If you need to be outside during these hours, wearing protective clothing and using mosquito repellent can help.

4. Get rid of standing water around your home

Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, getting rid of any sources of standing water around your home can reduce the mosquito population in your area.

This includes emptying any containers that can hold water, such as pots, buckets, and bird baths.

5. Use mosquito nets

If you live in an area with a high incidence of mosquito-borne diseases, using mosquito nets while sleeping can provide an additional layer of protection. Mosquito nets can be treated with insecticide to increase their effectiveness.

Conclusion

While we can’t avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes entirely, we can take steps to protect ourselves from the diseases and infections they can transmit.

Understanding what attracts mosquitoes to us and how they find us can help us take preventative measures to reduce our risk of getting bitten.

By wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellent, staying indoors during peak mosquito hours, getting rid of standing water around our homes, and using mosquito nets, we can reduce the mosquito population around us and decrease our exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses.