Mosquito bites are a summer scourge that many people dread. Not only do they cause unbearable itching, but they can also transmit serious diseases. Understanding why mosquitoes bite is crucial to developing effective strategies for avoiding them.
Let’s discover the biological reasons behind mosquito bites, the factors that attract them, and how to protect yourself against these pests.
Why mosquitoes bite
Female mosquitoes bite to obtain the proteins they need to mature their eggs. Unlike males, who feed mainly on nectar, females must consume blood to provide the essential nutrients needed to produce viable eggs. This biological need drives mosquitoes to seek out hosts and bite them, mainly at dusk and dawn, when human activity is high and environmental conditions are favorable.
By sucking blood, mosquitoes transfer anticoagulant proteins to prevent blood clotting, thus facilitating their meal. This biting process is responsible for the itching and skin irritation we experience. According to a study by the Institut Pasteur, the proteins present in mosquito saliva are the main culprits behind the allergic reactions observed after a bite.
Mosquito attractants
Female mosquitoes locate their prey mainly by means of the carbon dioxide (CO2) we exhale. According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), mosquitoes can detect CO2 from over 50 meters away, making it the first warning signal for finding a host.
Secondly, body odor plays a crucial role in attracting mosquitoes. Chemical compounds present in sweat, such as lactic acid and ammonia, strongly attract these insects. A study published in the journal Nature showed that mosquitoes prefer people who produce more of these compounds.
Body temperature is another determining factor. Mosquitoes are attracted to warmer areas of the body, which explains why they often bite around the face and feet, where the skin is thinner and blood vessels are closer to the surface.
Finally, the color of clothing also influences the attraction of mosquitoes. They are particularly attracted to dark colors such as black, dark blue and red, as these retain heat and stand out in their limited vision.
These factors combine to explain why some people get stung more than others, and underline the importance of understanding these mechanisms to better protect ourselves.
Why some people get stung more
Mosquitoes don’t bite everyone in the same way, and some people seem to be more attractive to these insects. One of the main reasons is blood type. Research in the Journal of Medical Entomology has shown that people with blood type O attract mosquitoes twice as much as those with blood types A, B or AB.
Skin composition also plays a crucial role. The diversity of bacteria present on our skin influences mosquito attraction. A study published in PLoS ONE found that people with a greater diversity of skin bacteria were less likely to be bitten than those with a less diverse but denser bacterial population.
Genetics and body odor also determine why some people are more often bitten. Mosquitoes are attracted by specific chemical compounds secreted by the skin, some of which are hereditary. Genetic differences influence the production of these compounds, making some people naturally more attractive to mosquitoes.
These factors explain why, on a summer’s evening, some people are covered in bites while others are spared.
Reactions to mosquito bites
Reactions to mosquito bites vary considerably from person to person. Most people experience itching and redness due to an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, these reactions are caused by the anticoagulant proteins injected by the mosquito during the bite.
However, some people can develop more severe reactions, such as blistering or anaphylactic reactions, although these cases are rare. Children and allergy sufferers are often more sensitive to stings. The severity of the reaction depends on the frequency of stings and the sensitization of the individual’s immune system.
To relieve itching, use antihistamines or corticosteroid creams, and keep the stung area clean to avoid infection.
Preventing mosquito bites
To avoid mosquito bites, the solutions offered by Mosquizen are particularly effective. Their Qista mosquito bollards use innovative technology that mimics human breathing and body odor to attract and capture mosquitoes. These eco-friendly, non-toxic devices offer protection up to 60 meters away, and can be controlled remotely via a mobile app.
In addition, we recommend the use of impregnated mosquito nets, natural repellents based on citronella or lavender, and the wearing of long, light-colored clothing. However, Mosquizen ‘s solutions far surpass traditional methods in terms of effectiveness and safety.
Implications of mosquito bites
Mosquito bites aren’t just annoying; they can also be dangerous. Mosquitoes are vectors of many serious diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya and the Zika virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these diseases affect millions of people every year, and can lead to severe complications and even death.
Preventing bites is therefore crucial not only for comfort, but also for public health. Using devices such as those from Mosquizen, which offer effective, environmentally-friendly protection, is an essential step in reducing these risks.
Conclusions and recommendations
By understanding why mosquitoes bite, and using advanced solutions like those from Mosquizen, we can effectively reduce bites and prevent transmitted diseases. Adopting appropriate prevention strategies and using innovative devices is essential to protect our health and improve our quality of life.
Sources:
- NCBI – Detection of CO2 by mosquitoes: https: //pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28653493/
- Nature – Mosquitoes prefer certain chemical compounds: https: //www.nature.com/articles/nature22348
- PLoS ONE – Skin bacterial diversity and mosquito attraction: https: //journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0073969
- Journal of Medical Entomology – Blood type and mosquito attraction: https: //academic.oup.com/jme/article/40/1/65/904914
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – Allergic reactions to mosquito bites: https: //www.aaaai.org/allergist-researcher-resources/patient-websites