Are you a Mosquito Magnet?

There’s always one in the crowd- the Chosen One! You would see the person itching, spanking, grumbling and at times dancing on one leg just because he managed to swoon the mosquitoes. But what is it about these unlucky chosen few that makes them a mosquito magnet?

Many of us – with scars and bloody scabs (the remnants of mosquito bites now gone bad)- live side-by-side with people who, despite living in the same house and even sleeping in the same bed, are seemingly less vulnerable to the vicious six-legged predators. It turns out, a mosquito’s snacking preference for one person over another is a result of several factors.

Mosquitoes are a nuisance for most of us but some people have it worse than others. Since a mosquito bite not only causes itchy scabs and rashes but also deadly vector-borne diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya, people who get bitten a lot are more likely to become ill. Hence it is imperative to understand what drives these mosquitoes to their target.

Are you a Mosquito Magnet?

1. Gases

It turns out mosquitoes don’t randomly bite just anybody. They are highly sensitive to carbon dioxide (they can detect it from over 160 feet away), which we spew every time we exhale. They are adept at trailing out their target by following these exhaled trails. So heavy breathers tend to draw more than their fair share of these pesky flies.

2. Cholesterol

People who metabolize cholesterol quickly, creating higher levels of by-products that are present on their skin, draw more mosquitoes than those who metabolize slowly.

3. Sweat

Can you believe sweat can be sweet as well? Mosquitoes can get drawn in by lactic acid that is produced through sweat. And people tend to produce more lactic acid when they’re exercising. So, active people are more apt to be mosquito bait than couch potatoes.

4. Body Heat

While carbon dioxide is how mosquitoes lock onto you as a target, heat may be how they figure out where to bite you. Mosquitoes use this heat to determine which part of your body has the maximum blood closest to the skin surface. Common areas include the forehead, wrists, elbows and neck.

5. Pregnancy

Pregnant women exhale more Co2 and hence, this makes them more prone to mosquito bites. Also due to the temperature of amniotic fluid, they are warmer around the belly than their non-pregnant counterparts. That’s why “Mmmmmm” say the mosquitoes on spotting a pregnant woman!

Since during this critical stage one should be extra careful of mosquito bites, at home ensure complete indoor protection, using 2x power mode of Goodknight Activ+. Click here to watch simple hacks that every pregnant woman should know!

6. Your Outfit

Mosquitoes being highly visual, actually use their eyes to target victims. Their first mode of search for humans is through vision. While this has nothing to do with the mosquitoes being fashion conscious, mosquitoes do tend to seek out colors that contrast with their natural habitat. Avoid black, dark blue, or red clothing unless you want to attract mosquitoes.

7. Movement

Some mosquitoes are visual hunters that search you out by looking for signs of life against the horizon. Movement can also draw the insects in, so children – because they are on the run, all the time – are at greater risk of being bitten.

While there is no way you can stop children from being super active, one must ensure protection even when kids are outdoors by simply applying 4 dots of Goodknight Fabric Roll-Onon their clothes. This gives complete protection from disease causing mosquitoes for up to 8 hours.

8. Exhaled Chemicals

In addition to body heat and carbon dioxide generated by our body, mosquitoes are also attracted to several naturally occurring chemicals that are released as we breathe. One such attractant chemical is related to Estrogen. This could be the reason women are more vulnerable to mosquito bites.

Annoying as mosquitoes are, the science behind what attracts them to their hosts is fascinating. Some studies link alcohol intake to enhanced chances of being bitten while a few researches also indicate that your genes have a lot to do with whether mosquitoes like you or not!

Well, the bad news is that if you’re one of these people who are “mosquito magnets”, there isn’t much you can do about it other than using an effective mosquito repellent. Obviously you don’t want to worry about your outfit, choice of barbecue beverage or exercise regimen, so protect yourself with mosquito repellents by Goodknight.

Whether you think you are a mosquito magnet or not, it is important to apply an insect repellent to both clothes and skin and ensure complete protection from deadly diseases.

Go Mommy!