Why do mosquitoes bite certain people?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Monique
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
Research indicates that certain individuals attract mosquitoes more than others due to various biological factors. These include body heat, carbon dioxide output, skin bacteria, and specific body odors, which can vary significantly among people. Additionally, genetic predispositions may play a role in how one’s skin chemistry interacts with mosquitoes. The discussion highlights concerns about the increasing presence of exotic mosquito species in regions like the Netherlands, raising fears of potential outbreaks of tropical diseases. The trend of globalization is expected to contribute to the spread of these diseases, emphasizing the need for awareness and preventive measures against mosquito bites and related infections.
Monique
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
4,211
Reaction score
68
Is anything known about the biological bases why some people are magnets to mosquitos, while others are not? I can put on 80% Deet and still be bitten, while people around me are completely oblivious of the presence of mosquitos :rolleyes:

With the current trend of globalization I expect a rise of infections with obscure tropical diseases within the next few years. There have been sightings of three different exotic mosquito species in the Netherlands just this past week, it's only a matter of weeks before they find me :eek:
 
Biology news on Phys.org

Thread 'Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)'

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/body-dysmorphia/ Most people have some mild apprehension about their body, such as one thinks their nose is too big, hair too straight or curvy. At the extreme, cases such as this, are difficult to completely understand. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/other/why-would-someone-want-to-amputate-healthy-limbs/ar-AA1MrQK7?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=68ce4014b1fe4953b0b4bd22ef471ab9&ei=78 they feel like they're an amputee in the body of a regular person "For...
View full post »
Thread 'Did they discover another descendant of homo erectus?'

Thread 'Did they discover another descendant of homo erectus?'

The study provides critical new insights into the African Humid Period, a time between 14,500 and 5,000 years ago when the Sahara desert was a green savanna, rich in water bodies that facilitated human habitation and the spread of pastoralism. Later aridification turned this region into the world's largest desert. Due to the extreme aridity of the region today, DNA preservation is poor, making this pioneering ancient DNA study all the more significant. Genomic analyses reveal that the...
View full post »

Similar threads

Why Do Mosquitoes Seem to Target Some People More Than Others?
Replies
15
Views
6K
What types of illness would be allowed on a generation ship and why?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Ten reasons why HIV could not cause AIDS , from my inbox
Replies
14
Views
16K
At a crossroads (drop out? chase a dream? time out?)
Replies
13
Views
5K
Writing: Input Wanted What Makes Great Lakes Earth So Geographically Unique?
Replies
6
Views
3K
Humanure and the Human Nutrient Cycle
Replies
14
Views
7K
Planck instant and neurobiology. Could mind exist outside time-courses?
Replies
5
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top