The warm summer months are the time for vacations, but the pleasant moments are often marred by annoying mosquitoes. .
Mosquitoes are unpleasant mainly with their painful stings that cause itching and skin irritation.
These little creatures are distributed all over the world, but most of them are found in areas with a humid and warm climate. .
YouTube channel TopTrending CZ advised how to effectively protect yourself from them. .
They are particularly attracted to the heat, sweat and carbon dioxide that humans and animals exhale.
In addition, they are active especially during dusk and dawn when they look for their victims.
Mosquitoes are also known to carry various diseases such as malaria, dengue or the Zika virus, which makes them even more dangerous.
That is why they are often considered one of the most dangerous creatures in the world. .
To understand the reasons why mosquitoes attack us, we must first know their needs. .
Mosquitoes are essentially vegetarians, and the basic part of their diet is sugar, which can be supplied by, for example, the nectar of flowering plants. .
However, the problem arises when the female mosquito matures and begins to reproduce. .
For this, it needs enough proteins and lipids, which are contained in the blood of animals and people. .
That is why mosquitoes attack us, but also animals unpleasant raids, ending with a painful sting. .
TOP 5 reasons that attract mosquitoes
5.place – dark clothes
Mosquitoes are visual hunters and therefore the color of clothing plays a role in how attractive we are to them. .
Dark colors such as dark blue, black or dark red are more visible to mosquitoes and therefore attractive. .
This is because dark clothing provides better contrast against the horizon. .
This makes it easier for mosquitoes to recognize and target the host. .
Conversely, pale colors, such as white or pastel shades, are less attractive to mosquitoes. .
So if you are going to spend time in places where there may be a higher incidence of mosquitoes, choosing light-colored clothing can reduce your risk of becoming a victim. .
4.place – blood type
Studies suggest that blood type may play a role in how attractive we are to mosquitoes.
Research has shown that people with blood type 0 are up to 2 times more attractive to mosquitoes than those with blood type A.
People with blood type B are somewhere in between.
This phenomenon is caused by the fact that each person secretes specific chemical signals through the skin that mosquitoes can detect.
Although blood type is not a factor that we can somehow influence, it is good to be aware of this fact. .
It might also explain why someone’s mosquitoes attack a lot more. .
3.place – body odor
Other things that attract mosquitoes include specific chemicals found in human sweat..
These are substances such as lactic acid, ammonia and other components of sweat..
Lactic acid is produced by the muscles during physical activity and is excreted afterwards.
This explains why people are more likely to be attacked by mosquitoes after physical activity. .
Each person has a unique scent that is the result of a combination of genetics, diet, and skin microbiomes. .
This may also be one of the reasons why some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others. .
2.place – body heat
A fairly key factor that attracts mosquitoes is body heat. .
Mosquitoes have highly developed sensors that allow them to detect infrared radiation emanating from warm-blooded animals.
This mechanism allows them to locate their host even at night, when visibility is reduced.
People with a higher body temperature , for example after physical activity, are therefore again more attractive to mosquitoes.
Body heat also increases when you consume alcohol, which increases the chance that mosquitoes will land on you more often. .
1.place – carbon dioxide
Mosquitoes are strongly attracted to carbon dioxide exhaled by humans and animals.
Scientists have found that mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide up to a distance of 50 m. .
Then, when the mosquito approaches this source, it begins to look for other factors that will guide it to the host. .
So carbon dioxide is one of the main signals that tell mosquitoes that there is a warm-blooded animal in the vicinity.
These insects are attracted by deep exhalations, especially larger individuals. .
This explains why children near water are much less likely to be bitten by mosquitoes than adults. .
You can find out more information in the attached video.
Homemade natural repellent
Making homemade natural mosquito repellent is a simple and effective way to protect yourself from pesky insects.
Here is one proven recipe that uses natural essential oils known for their repellent properties..
Ingredients:
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar.
1/2 cup of water (distilled or boiled).
40 drops of essential oil (or combination of oils) from the following options:
lavender oil.
eucalyptus oil.
tea tree oil.
peppermint oil.
Procedure:
Take a clean spray bottle (ideally 100ml or more) and sterilize it with hot water to make it ready to use..
Pour 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar into the bottle..
Add 1/2 cup water..
If you use tap water, make sure it is boiled and cooled..
Add 40 drops of selected essential oil or a combination of several oils. to the mixture.
Close the bottle tightly and shake thoroughly to mix all the ingredients well.
Shake the bottle gently before each use. .
Spray repellent on exposed body parts , avoid eye and mouth area.
If necessary you can also apply the repellent to clothes , especially to the places where mosquitoes attack most often.
For best results apply repellent every 2-3 hours , especially if you are active or sweat a lot.
This natural repellent not only repels mosquitoes, but also smells nice and does not burden the skin with chemicals..
Storage:
Keep the repellent in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life.
Sensitivity test
Before first use apply a small amount to the inside of the wrist to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction to any of the essential oils.
Good luck!
