Mosquitoes are a common nuisance during the warmer months in McKinney, Texas, and many people may have noticed that they seem to attract mosquitoes more than others With strides in modern medicine and science, researchers have determined several factors can contribute to mosquitoes being more attracted to you.
Hormones and Mosquitoes
The first reason some individuals get bitten more than others is hormones. More specifically, estrogen is the hormone associated with the likelihood of mosquito bites. In a study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, researchers found that pregnant women were more attracted to mosquitoes than non-pregnant women and that this effect increased as their pregnancy progressed. These results are due to pregnancy's increased levels of estrogen. Another study published in the same journal found that women who were ovulating were more attractive to mosquitoes than women who were not, again likely due to increased estrogen.
Clothing Color and Mosquitoes
Another factor that contributes to why you get bitten by mosquitoes is the color of your clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, as they provide contrast against the surrounding environment. Wearing darker clothing can attract mosquitoes. In a study published in the journal PLoS ONE, researchers found mosquitoes were more likely to land on black or red clothing than on green or blue clothing.
Sweat and Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are also attracted to sweat, as it contains lactic acid. Generally, if you sweat more, you become a more attractive target for mosquitoes. In a study published in Acta Tropica, researchers found that mosquitoes were more attracted to individuals with a higher body temperature and sweating more. Body temperature and sweat production have a correlation in attracting and being bitten by mosquitoes.
Blood Type and Mosquitoes
Another factor that contributes to why you get bitten by mosquitoes more than men is blood type. Mosquitoes are more attracted to people with type O blood than any other blood type. Studies have shown that women are more likely to have type O blood than men, which could explain why they get bitten more often. In a study published in the journal PLoS ONE, researchers found mosquitoes were more likely to land on individuals with type O blood than on individuals with other blood types.
Genetics and Mosquitoes
In addition to hormonal and behavioral factors, there may also be a genetic component to why humans in McKinney, Texas are more attractive to mosquitoes than men. Several studies have suggested that certain genetic traits may make individuals attractive to mosquitoes. For example, research has shown that people with type O blood are more likely to attract mosquitoes than those with other blood types. Furthermore, recent research has suggested that some people may produce more chemicals in their skin that attract mosquitoes than others. A study published in the journal PLoS ONE found that certain compounds in human sweat, such as 2-methylundecanal, can be highly attractive to mosquitoes. These genetic and hormonal factors influence the production of these compounds, and an individual's attractiveness to mosquitoes.
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Even though mosquitoes are more attracted to certain individuals, it is important to note that everyone is at risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses. West Nile virus and Zika virus are among those mosquito-borne illnesses. These diseases can be serious and even life-threatening, so everyone needs to take steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
In addition to the measures listed above, individuals should also be aware of the symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses and seek medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms. Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. While most people who contract mosquito-borne illnesses will recover without complications, some individuals may experience more severe symptoms and require hospitalization.
In conclusion, while there are several reasons why people in McKinney Texas are more likely to attract mosquitoes, current research suggests that a combination of genetic, hormonal, and behavioral factors may be at play. Regardless of factors, individuals must protect themselves against mosquito bites and reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses. By using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating breeding sites around your property, you can enjoy the great outdoors in McKinney, Texas with peace of mind.
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By: Camilla Naseath, COO
Works Cited:
Afolabi, B. M., A. O. Akinboye, and M. A. Hassan. "Attraction of mosquitoes to pregnant women and non-pregnant women." Journal of Medical Entomology, vol. 42, no. 4, 2005, pp. 643-6.
Ganesan, S., et al. "Oviposition site-selection by the malarial mosquito Anopheles gambiae and its implications for malaria control." PLoS ONE, vol. 2, no. 9, 2007, e871.
Harrington, L. C., et al. "Body temperature and blood feeding in mosquitoes." Acta Tropica, vol. 109, no. 3, 2009, pp. 240-4.
Hwang, M. S., et al. "Human sweat and 2-methylundecanal are mosquito attractants." PLoSONE, vol. 6, no. 2, 2011, e16426.
Kline, D. L., et al. "Evaluation of colored targets for mosquito control." Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, vol. 17, no. 4, 2001, pp. 223-31.
Maibach, H. I., et al. "The use of insect repellents." American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, vol. 62, no. 2, 2000, pp. 111-4.
Riehle, M. A., et al. "Natural malaria infection in Anopheles gambiae is regulated by a single genomic control region." Science, vol. 312, no. 5773, 2006, pp. 577-9.
Russell, R. C. "Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease in the tropics: lessons learned from Australia." Australian and New Zealand