If you’ve ever felt that you’re irresistible to pesky mosquitoes, it probably isn’t just paranoia. Numerous scientific studies have revealed that mosquitoes really do prefer to bite some people over others when given the choice.
In fact, one study out of Japan found that the tiny critters are even attracted to one blood type over all others. Researchers revealed that people with Type O blood were found to be twice as attractive to mosquitoes than those with Type A blood. Mosquitoes can even taste via skin secretions what blood type we are before sucking it down, enabling them to find their preferred type.
Mosquitoes are also drawn to certain other particularities, like smelly feet and people with high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on the surface of their skin. The color of clothing also makes a difference, as the bugs prefer dark colors that don’t reflect much light. Of course, after the sun goes down it really doesn’t matter what color your clothes are.
Fortunately, there is some good news for those who feel they might be a “mosquito magnet” as there are a number of ways to repel them naturally, without turning to potentially harmful chemical sprays.
Wear lighter-colored clothes
When you plan to be outside, wear lighter colored clothing like white, khaki or pastels, which all happen to be popular during the summer months anyway. Avoid dark colors like navy blue and black.
Stay in a screened-in area at dawn and dusk
If you plan to go camping, consider investing in a screened room or shelter that can be placed over a picnic table to keep you protected, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. When you’re at home, avoid being outside during those times, or stay in a screened-in porch.
Don’t kill those spiders
Although many people have an aversion to spiders, arachnids love dining on mosquitoes and are a great way to reduce them in your area as they easily get stuck inside their webs. Leave spiders alone and their webs intact, and you’re likely to notice a significant reduction in the numbers of skeeters you see.
Make your own mosquito repellent
There are lots of wonderfully smelling natural, essential oils that help to repel mosquitoes, such as a combination of lavender, tea tree oil and a dash of citronella.
Eat more garlic
You’ve probably heard that garlic repels vampires, but did you know that this pungent herb can keep mosquitoes away? While there hasn’t been much research conducted to back up this claim, many people swear that it works.
Not only that, but garlic is filled with powerful antioxidants and is well known to help fight off infection. If you’re worried about the smell, try chewing a sprig of fresh parsley after eating it.
Lemon eucalyptus oil
The Centers for Disease Control recommends lemon eucalyptus oil and says that it offers protection that is similar to low concentration DEET products. A 40 percent or higher concentration is recommended for fighting off mosquitoes as well as ticks.
Using fire
If you’ve ever sat around a campfire, you’ve probably noticed that mosquitoes seem to stay away, even from those they’re most attracted to. It really does work because they don’t like being around smoke. You can use standard candles or citronella candles – or, just enjoy sitting around the fire on a beautiful summer night.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603/0022-2585-41.4.796
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/are-you-a-mosquito-magnet
http://www.marquette.edu/magazine/recent.php?subaction=showfull&id=1277906400
https://www.thealternativedaily.com/top-5-natural-mosquito-repellents-to-try-as-the-weather-warms
