When you're having a little party with friends outside, or sipping tea in your backyard, do you feel like you're the only one getting bitten by mosquitoes ? While some people are not, you're the only one biting them. Blisters all over your body, and sometimes it can even lead to serious illness. So is this really just your opinion, or do mosquitoes really show some people special characteristics?
In short, yes, that story is true. Mosquitoes choose certain people to suck their blood from. Experts say that about one in ten people is highly attractive to mosquitoes. But they don't drink this blood to satisfy their hunger. It's the female mosquitoes that bite people. They need human blood to lay fertile eggs. So it turns out, not just anyone's blood will do.
Who do mosquitoes like the most?
Researchers still haven't figured out exactly what makes a mosquito a "perfect meal," but research is ongoing. It's a very complex process, with about 400 odors and chemicals emitted from our bodies to analyze.
But scientists have found that 85% of our susceptibility to mosquito bites is down to our genetics . They have also found that mosquitoes are repelled when certain chemicals in our bodies are present on the surface of our skin.
- Cholesterol on the skin: Mosquitoes are more attracted to people who have high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin surface. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have high cholesterol levels. It could be that your body metabolizes cholesterol very efficiently. The byproducts of this are deposited on the skin surface, which is why mosquitoes are attracted to that scent.
- Certain acids: Mosquitoes are also more attracted to people who excrete excess amounts of certain acids, such as uric acid. These chemicals stimulate the mosquito's sense of smell.
- Carbon Dioxide : Mosquitoes can smell their "food" from up to 50 meters away. The carbon dioxide we exhale is the main thing that attracts them.
- Movement and heat: Imagine you're playing a sport like volleyball outdoors. Your movement is a signal to mosquitoes. When you're running and working hard, they'll be attracted to the smell of carbon dioxide. They'll also like the smell of lactic acid, which comes with sweat. That's when they'll catch you.
- Soybean oil: According to some research, repellents containing soybean oil provide protection for about 1.5 hours.
- Other oils: Oils like Citronella, Cedar, and Peppermint only provide very short-term protection.
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: Research has shown that this provides protection similar to low concentrations of DEET. This is also a good option. However, it is not recommended for children under 3 years of age.
- Some people are more attracted to mosquitoes due to genetic factors, carbon dioxide, and uric acid released from the body.
- Mosquito repellents containing chemicals like DEET and Picaridin are very effective and safe. Always follow the instructions on the product.
- As a natural method, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is a fairly successful alternative.
- The most important thing is to keep your home and surroundings clean. Destroy all places where mosquitoes can breed and where water can collect.
- If you develop symptoms such as fever and body aches after a mosquito bite, seek medical advice immediately. It could be a sign of a serious illness such as dengue.
Generally, people with larger bodies exhale more carbon dioxide than small children. That's why older people are more likely to be bothered by mosquitoes. Pregnant women are also at higher risk of mosquito bites because they exhale more carbon dioxide than normal.
What can you do to protect yourself from mosquitoes?
Although there are various products available in pharmacies and supermarkets to protect against mosquitoes , not all of them are the same. Let's take a look at the best methods available.
Chemical repellents
The effectiveness of most mosquito repellents depends on the chemicals they contain.
| Chemical substance | Description and effectiveness | Is it suitable for use? |
|---|---|---|
| DEET | Used for over 40 years, it has proven to be the most effective chemical currently on the market. A product containing 23.8% DEET provides protection for about 5 hours. | Infants over 2 months old can use a concentration of 10% or less. |
| Picaridin | Proven to be as effective as DEET. Easy to use because it has no odor and is gentle on the skin. | Safe for children over 2 months of age. |
| IR3535 (Skin-So-Soft) | Research has shown that it is less effective than DEET. | Generally considered safe. |
DEET is something that many people are afraid of. But when used correctly, it is very safe. The main problems reported are due to gross overuse. Therefore, it is very important to follow the instructions on the product.
Natural methods without chemicals
If you don't want to use chemicals, there are several natural alternatives.
Other ways to repel mosquitoes without touching the skin
There are also methods for those who don't want to apply anything to their skin.
1. Mosquito Traps: These trap or trap female mosquitoes by emitting carbon dioxide, heat, and moisture that attract mosquitoes. Placing these near mosquito breeding sites can help reduce mosquito populations.
2. Repellent Apparel: These are clothes soaked in an insecticide called `permethrin`. These are very useful, especially for those who are going out in the woods.
3. Clean the environment: This is the most important thing. Eliminate standing water in your yard. Don't let water collect in places like gutters, plastic toys, garbage cans, water tanks, and bird baths. These are the main breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
What are the risks of being bitten by a mosquito?
Being bitten by a mosquito doesn't just mean coughing for a few days. Some people can have severe allergic reactions. Even more dangerous are the diseases that mosquitoes can transmit.
Dengue is a major threat in our country. Diseases like malaria and Japanese encephalitis are also spread by mosquitoes. More than a million people die from malaria every year worldwide.
Therefore, if you develop symptoms such as fever, body aches, headache, vomiting, joint pain, or skin rashes after being bitten by a mosquito, never delay. Immediately consult a qualified doctor (doctor) and seek advice. It may be the beginning of dengue fever.
Mosquitoes are not an easy animal to get rid of. So what we need to do is stay away from them and stay safe.
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