Are You A Mosquito Magnet? Here's Why Some People Get Bitten More Than Others
Jun 26, 2023 03:13 AMBy Shreyashi Chakraborty
Mosquitoes are pesky little creatures that can ruin a good setting with their bites and high-pitched buzzing noise. Worst, they spread diseases that are often life-threatening.
Ever wondered why mosquitoes have a knack for singling you out in a crowd? Here's cracking the code on factors that influence their target choices and ways to repel them.
Change your soap brand
The choice of soap can determine how attractive a person is to mosquitoes. According to a study published this year, some individuals who use Dove and Simple Truth soaps may become more attractive to mosquitoes, while those who use Native soap are more likely to repel them. However, it's important to note this effect is not universal and may vary from person to person.
Bananas
Did you know bananas are mosquito magnets? As per a study published in the journal Insects, mosquitoes were more attracted to the scent of some people's hands after they had consumed bananas as compared to those who had grapes.
If you're worried about getting mosquito bites, especially in the summer, the study suggests that being mindful of the fruits you eat could potentially be helpful. It might be a good idea to consider switching from bananas to grapes as a preventive measure.
Beer
Mosquitoes are madly drawn to beer, so a 2010 study says. The study, published in Plos One, noted those who consumed beer emitted a body scent that was appealing to mosquitoes, but those who drank water saw no such thing happening to them.
Deodorant
A study published in the journal Nature revealed an interesting finding: a compound called isopropyl tetradecane, which is present in deodorants, has the ability to repel mosquitoes. When this compound is applied to a surface, it acts as a deterrent, preventing mosquitoes from landing on it. The researchers observed a significant reduction of 56% in the number of mosquito landings on the treated surface.
Garlic and vitamin B
Garlic is long thought to be an effective mosquito repellant. However, in a 2005 study, participants were exposed to mosquitoes after consuming garlic or a placebo. The study found no evidence to support the belief that garlic repels mosquitoes. Consuming garlic did not significantly reduce the number of mosquito bites.
https://www.medicaldaily.com/are-yo...why-some-people-get-bitten-more-others-470281
