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The cheesy reason mosquitoes find you irresistible

Certain body odours have been shown to attract these pesky insects

Mosquitoes are a guaranteed nuisance during the summer months in Spain, disrupting our sleep with their incessant buzzing and causing unsightly and itchy bites. What’s more, each year they’re transmitting more and more serious diseases across Europe, including the dangerous dengue fever.

It seems that some people are just a magnet for mosquitoes, suffering mozzie bites no matter what they do. Not only is this definitely not an urban myth, but there’s actually a pretty cheesy (literally) reason why these irritating insects are attracted to some more than others.

A study published in Current Biology has shed light on this phenomenon, revealing that certain compounds found in aged cheese are to blame.

The study found that carboxylic acids, such as butyric acid, which is produced by bacteria on our skin and gives off that distinct aged-cheese aroma, proves irresistible to mosquitoes. Don’t worry, you don’t smell cheesy to your friends, but to mosquitoes you might as well be a delicious snack.

It’s not just about the cheese, though. Mosquitoes are also drawn to individuals with higher body temperatures, such as those with more superficial capillaries or light skin. Physical activity and sweat increase the number of substances emitted by the body, making you even more appealing to these tiny predators.

Another factor to consider is alcohol consumption. When you drink, your body emits more acetone, ethanol and methanol through sweat, making you a prime target for mosquitoes.

Finally, while blood type may play a role in mosquito attraction, it is not as significant as other factors such as body odour, carbon dioxide emission and heat.

Regardless of blood type, mosquitoes are drawn to certain chemical cues that signal a potential meal.

Mosquito protection

To protect yourself from mosquito bites, it is essential to use skin repellents correctly and according to the instructions on the label. Repellents with active ingredients like Deet, icaridin or paramatanediol are highly effective and emit an odour that mosquitoes find repulsive.

However, it’s important to note that no repellent is completely foolproof, and effectiveness can vary depending on individual factors.

Additionally, children, pregnant women, obese individuals and those with fair, sensitive skin are at a higher risk of being bitten due to increased carbon dioxide emission and body temperature.

And let’s not forget our feet – the combination of heat and smell, along with the low-flying habits of mosquitoes, make them a prime target for bites.

While prevention is better than cure, there are also remedies available to alleviate the discomfort of mosquito bites. Baking soda paste and astringent gels containing aluminium chloride can help reduce swelling and redness, providing much-needed relief.

Image: Peggy Greb/US Department of Agriculture

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