Causes of a large number of mosquitoes. Why do mosquitoes bite? Who is more likely to be bitten by a mosquito

Do you sometimes think that mosquitoes are specifically looking for you, in order to bite maniacally, to make you deeply unhappy? But these bloodsuckers choose their victim on the basis of a whole bunch of factors, and this is a story about the main "culprits" of a mosquito attack.
There are many myths about what repels mosquitoes.

The first myth is that eating bananas can scare away these nasty insects.

This is just a myth. According to entomologists, bananas have no effect on biting insects.

Myth two: mosquitoes are attracted to yellow.

This is also a myth: according to scientists, mosquitoes are more likely to react to dark colors, since objects painted in black quickly heat up, namely, heat attracts insects. Light-colored clothing, on the contrary, is more likely to scare them away.

Myth Three: Some people are immune to mosquitoes.

This is partly true: in some cases, people develop some immunity to bites. Others are nearly half as attractive to mosquitoes. What exactly this is connected with is not yet known.

The fourth myth: some evergreens repel mosquitoes.

This is also partly true: some conifers of cedar trees emit an odor that automatically becomes a strong repellent. There are about 200 varieties of mosquitoes and mosquitoes in Canada, so it is difficult to determine which tree repels a particular type of insect. It has been established, by the way, that some of them choose the cedar thickets as the place of mating games.

The fifth myth: vitamin B12 creates in the human body some biological substances that repel mosquitoes.

Not true. Vitamins, of course, are good for health, but this has nothing to do with mosquitoes.

But scientists have found evidence supporting multiple reasons why mosquitoes might choose you.

Keep in mind, however, that studies are often conducted on different types of mosquitoes, so the actual factors attracting them to you may vary depending on which species are nearby. However, the good news is that you can actually change some of the things that make you especially attractive to these small flying animals that sometimes carry deadly diseases like Zika, malaria, yellow fever, dengue, Karelian fever (disease Ockelbo), Chikungunya and West Nile Virus.

People with the first (0) blood type are more attracted to mosquitoes than people with other blood types.

Mosquitoes tend to like those who breathe more carbon dioxide - larger people and pregnant women.

At the same time, pregnant women are twice as likely to attract malaria mosquitoes than non-pregnant women. This is worth paying special attention to in connection with the Zika virus, which causes birth defects.

In one study, scientists found that mosquitoes liked people who drank beer more than their sober counterparts.

Some people's bodies secrete attractants - attractive chemical compounds, while others' bodies secrete repellent compounds.

It is not yet clear why and how this works, although scientists are trying to isolate these substances in order to use them for mosquito traps and natural repelling sprays.

Exercise promotes the production of lactic acid, which can act as a mosquito attractant when in your sweat

But people with a wide variety of bacteria living on the skin are less attractive to mosquitoes.

So wash less and mosquitoes will fly around you! True, neighbors and relatives, most likely, too.

By the way, for those who are not in the know, only female mosquitoes feed on blood. All males of all species known in the world feed on plant nectar.

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The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. A specialist consultation is required!

Where do mosquitoes come from?

Mosquitoes are among the most common insects on the planet. They are found in almost all climatic zones and zones ( except for the arctic belt and deep desert). These insects have great potential for reproduction, but for this they require certain conditions.

In the process of growth and development, a mosquito goes through four stages:

• egg;
• larva;
• chrysalis;
• imago ( adult).

The first three stages of mosquito development take place in water bodies. Thus, the largest number of mosquitoes is observed in areas with stagnant water ( lakes, swamps, etc.). There are fewer mosquitoes on the banks of rivers and seas, since the water does not stagnate here, and many larvae die. In shallow and stagnant water bodies, conditions for mosquito breeding are optimal. The water is usually warm, which encourages the development of larvae and pupae. The water itself contains a large number of microorganisms and protozoa that the larvae feed on.

Thus, mosquitoes initially appear from places with stagnant warm water, where there are optimal conditions for their reproduction.

Mosquitoes can also appear in other areas for the following reasons:

• at low temperatures, mosquitoes go into a daze and hide ( usually in basements, dark corners, attics, etc.);
• in the warm season, mosquitoes live near a person's home, since for many species it is a person who is the main source of food;
• mosquitoes are often found in the forest, as some species feed on the blood of other warm-blooded animals;
• many mosquitoes are found on livestock farms, where they can breed near wells or sewers and feed on the blood of domestic animals.

For a number of reasons, mosquitoes have been constant human companions for many millennia. At present, the lifestyle of mosquitoes is being actively studied to improve methods of controlling these insects.

Why don't mosquitoes bite all people?

What is the importance of mosquitoes for humans and nature?

For most types of mosquitoes, humans are one of the main sources of food. The mosquito is not of immediate benefit. However, mosquitoes are quite important for nature. From the point of view of ecology, these insects play a certain role in the cycle of substances ( nitrogen, some carbohydrates, etc.). In addition, mosquitoes, their larvae and pupae are important in the food chain. Male mosquitoes, feeding on nectar, along with bees, contribute to the pollination of some plants.

When and what season are mosquitoes most active?

The activity of mosquitoes throughout the year directly depends on changes in the weather ( humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure, etc.). The most favorable period for these insects is in the summer. Mosquito season in the northern hemisphere begins in April - May and ends in September. In unusually warm or cold weather, these boundaries can move up to a month. In equatorial countries, mosquitoes are most active between the rainy and dry seasons. In some northern regions, these insects appear only for 3-4 weeks a year, when the temperature rises high enough.

If we talk about the time of day, then the greatest activity of mosquitoes occurs in the early morning ( about 5 am) and evening ( from 20 to 22 hours). However, these time frames are very relative. In a swampy area or in a forest after rain, mosquitoes are very active almost around the clock.

Where do mosquitoes hide in winter?

In the cold season, a significant number of mosquitoes die, since the life expectancy of most species does not exceed 40-50 days. To reproduce, these insects require heat and moisture. However, some mosquitoes become numb in winter or find places with relatively comfortable conditions. These can be dark basements, mines with heating pipes, etc.

Does weather affect mosquitoes in spring and summer?

Weather conditions, of course, greatly affect mosquito activity. The smallest number of these insects is found in the heat, when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees. These insects do not tolerate direct sunlight, and they are more likely to be found in the forest than, for example, in an open field. Strong wind or rain creates mechanical obstacles to their flights, so in bad weather mosquitoes also need not be afraid. The most favorable time for these insects is the time after the rain, when the humidity is still high enough, and the earth has not had time to heat up very much.

What are mosquitoes?

Currently, science knows about 3 thousand species of mosquitoes, which are found on almost all continents. The greatest diversity is found in equatorial countries with a humid and warm climate. This is due to the characteristics of the development of mosquitoes. The larvae need warm water bodies for normal growth. In the northern countries, in the Arctic, in Antarctica or in the deserts, mosquitoes are practically not found, since they cannot withstand a strong drop or increase in temperatures.
Each type of mosquito has its own characteristics. This applies not only to the appearance, but also to the lifestyle, nutrition, structure of the body.
Due to these characteristics, some mosquitoes can pose a certain danger to humans. For example, the Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes are often carriers of infectious diseases and play a large role in epidemic outbreaks of malaria, yellow fever and other diseases.

On the territory of Russia, mosquitoes of the following genera are most common:

• real mosquitoes ( Culex);
• biters ( Aedes);
• stinging mosquitoes ( Culiseta);
• malaria mosquitoes ( Anopheles).

Each region is characterized by the distribution of one or another genus and species of these insects. Populations of potentially dangerous mosquitoes are being reduced. This is done by the sanitary and epidemiological services and representatives of the Ministry of Ecology.

Common mosquito ( squeak)

This type of mosquito is one of the most common in the world. Its representatives are found both in the wild and near large cities, close to humans. Females of this species feed on plant sap and blood ( human or animal). Sometimes ordinary mosquitoes can be found in homes even during the cold season. As a rule, this happens if there is moisture in the basement or utility rooms, where these insects breed. Ordinary mosquitoes rarely carry any diseases. Their bites are painless. Redness around the place mosquito bite moderate, and itching goes away on its own in 1 to 2 days. These insects are not particularly dangerous to humans.

Mosquito

Mosquitoes differ from ordinary mosquitoes in a number of ways, so they are usually separated into a separate group. First of all, the habitat of these insects is different. Mosquitoes prefer hot climates, so they are widespread in the equator and tropics. Most mosquitoes are somewhat smaller than mosquitoes in size. The color can range from pale gray to black. There are a number of differences in body structure. Unlike mosquitoes, water bodies are not so important for mosquitoes to reproduce. Their larvae develop in moist, warm soil. Like mosquitoes, these insects feed on human and animal blood. From a medical point of view, mosquitoes can carry a number of infectious diseases. This is why their bites should be avoided more than ordinary mosquitoes.

A mosquito bite can lead to the following pathologies:

• bartonellosis;
• leishmaniasis;
• some fevers ( only in certain areas where the corresponding pathogen is found).

Anopheles mosquito ( anopheles)

Malaria mosquitoes are widespread in countries with warm and humid climates. This condition is necessary for the development of larvae. Females lay eggs on the surface of water bodies with water temperatures from 12 to 35 degrees ( depending on the type of mosquito). Theoretically, anopheles can live and reproduce in many European countries, but thanks to radical measures to exterminate this species, it is now almost never found on the European continent. The same representatives that nevertheless reproduce here are not infected with Plasmodium ( malaria pathogens), although, in general, they can be carriers in the event of an epidemic. That is why patients with malaria are isolated in special boxes, protected from mosquitoes. This avoids outbreaks of malaria.

What is the difference between a mosquito carrying malaria and a common mosquito?

Each type of mosquito has its own distinctive features, which can be seen if you look closely. Anopheles, a mosquito that can transmit malaria, is also different from normal mosquitoes. Noticing such a mosquito in Europe or in the former USSR is not worth worrying about. Here they are found, but do not pose a serious danger, since they are not infected with the causative agent of the disease. If such a mosquito bites a person in Africa or southern Asia, the chance of infection is very high.

Anopheles mosquito can be recognized by the following features:

• the back pair of legs is much longer than the front pair;
• during a bite, the body is at an angle to the skin, the head is lowered, and the abdomen is raised;
• antennae on the sides of the proboscis are longer than that of an ordinary mosquito, so it seems that it has 2 - 3 proboscis;
• during the bite, the proboscis enters the skin at an acute angle, and not perpendicularly;
• if you look closely, you can see small spots on the wings that ordinary mosquitoes do not have.

Centipede ( caramora)

Long-legged mosquitoes are a separate family. They are common across the globe. Most often, these mosquitoes can be found near swamps, lakes, or other small freshwater bodies. The leg span of an adult mosquito can reach 6 cm ( and in tropical countries and up to 10 cm). Because of this, people are often afraid of the centipedes, mistakenly believing that they bite painfully or suffer any diseases. In fact, long-legged mosquitoes are harmless to humans. Their proboscis are adapted to feed on nectar and cannot pierce human skin, and the digestive system simply does not absorb nutrients from the blood.

In most cases, mosquito bites are limited to the following manifestations:

• painlessness or slight discomfort at the time of the bite;
• formation of a small compaction ( the size also depends on the site of the bite);

• moderate or severe itching at the site of the bite, which lasts from 5 to 6 hours to 1 to 2 days;
• discomfort when touching the bite site;
• slight redness ( does not always arise).

A common mosquito bite does not require medical attention. The above symptoms usually go away on their own, even without the use of any special means. The danger is intense scratching of the bite, since this damages the skin and forms a wound, where infection can easily penetrate.

Despite the rather harmless consequences, doctors recommend avoiding insect bites.

Does a person's blood type matter to mosquitoes?

Female mosquitoes, biting humans, seek to obtain a large amount of proteins and lipids that are not present in the juice or nectar of plants. Insects need these substances when laying eggs. The blood group of a person is of secondary importance in this case. The nutrients that mosquitoes need are the same in all humans. Nevertheless, statistically, mosquitoes are more likely to bite people with the first blood group. Next come the "victims" with the third, second and fourth groups. The Rh factor does not play a significant role. Some experts suggest that this selectivity is due to the different release of substances that attract mosquitoes. However, a strict pattern has not yet been proven.

Why does a mosquito bite itch?

This phenomenon is based on a local allergic reaction to proteins that are contained in the mosquito's saliva. When a person is bitten by a mosquito for the first time in life, there is no itching, as the body is only "getting acquainted" with a new protein. But throughout life, mosquitoes bite a person many times. When saliva re-enters the body, special cells migrate to the site of the bite and secrete substances that cause mild inflammation, swelling and itching. Some people are very sensitive to mosquito bites and have a more severe allergic reaction.

How and how to properly treat the site of a mosquito bite so that there is no itching and redness?

Itching, redness, and slight swelling at the site of the bite is due to a cellular response to proteins in the mosquito's saliva. In medicine, special antihistamines are used that can block this reaction. As a result, symptoms will be minimal. The faster you apply these funds to the bite site, the more pronounced the effect of their application will be.

The following drugs have an antihistamine effect:

• an aspirin tablet dissolved in warm water;
• antiallergic drugs ( including drops for eyes or for nose) applied to the bite site.

The main effect of these substances is to reduce itching, which causes many people ( especially children) comb the bites until they bleed. In case of scratching and wound formation, it must be treated with disinfectants ( alcohol, iodine, potassium permanganate solution, etc.) to prevent infection. There are special lotions and patches on the market that contain a combination of antihistamines and disinfectants.

Mosquito bite stickers

Many manufacturers of insect repellents also offer products to help with mosquito bites. Currently, special stickers and plasters are widely used. The material of this sticker is impregnated with substances that soothe the skin. Thanks to this, the itching goes away within a few minutes after gluing the patch to the bite site.

What to do if a child is severely bitten by mosquitoes?

A large number of bites can cause atypical symptoms in young children ( poor sleep, nausea or vomiting, mild fever). This is due to the imperfection of the child's immune system in comparison with the adult body. Reactions, which in adults are usually limited to the site of the bite, in children, to one degree or another, affect the entire body. As a rule, all these phenomena are temporary and go away on their own. Nevertheless, one must remember about the minimal possibility of transmission of some infectious diseases, which at the initial stages are also manifested by general malaise and a moderate increase in body temperature. Therefore, if, after numerous mosquito bites, the child does not feel well, it is better to go to see a pediatrician or general practitioner.

In general, the main problem is itching, which children do not tolerate well. Intensive scratching of the bite site often leads to the formation of wounds, infection, and sometimes the formation of pustules. That is why the bite site must be immediately treated with special lotions or ointments that reduce itching.

Folk remedies after a mosquito bite ( essential oil, clove oil, vinegar, etc.)

The main task after a mosquito bite is to relieve itching and inflammation. This is especially true for young children who cannot stand, become restless, sleep poorly and often scratch the bite until they bleed. There are quite a few folk remedies that help to cope with this problem. Some herbs have a calming effect on nerve endings.

To eliminate the effects of a mosquito bite, you can resort to the following folk remedies:

• the application of ice can give a temporary effect, since cold slows down the cellular reaction to a bite ( if applied immediately after the bite, the swelling and itching will not be as severe);
• toothpaste ( containing menthol or eucalyptus) will also soothe irritation, it must be applied for 5 - 7 minutes;
• cotton wool dipped in vinegar can relieve itching
• baking soda solution;
• clove oil, lavender oil, or essential oil will also reduce the bite response.

It should be noted that the effectiveness of the above means is very limited. It largely depends on the individual reaction of the body to the ingress of mosquito saliva. In some people, the redness and itching will be more pronounced, in others it will be almost invisible.

What to do if blisters appear at the bite site?

Blisters are skin bundles in which intercellular fluid accumulates. Such a reaction is possible due to an overly intense immune response, but it is very rare. If such blisters appear at the site of the bite, it is better to consult an allergist. It is impossible to pierce the film on the surface of the blisters on your own, as this will lead to the formation of a wound that will dry out and heal for a long time. Better to treat the skin around the blister with disinfectants ( alcohol, iodine, brilliant green, etc.), and put a bandage on the bite site itself. As a rule, blisters go away on their own within 1 to 2 days without any consequences.

What to do in case of severe swelling and the appearance of a lump?

Severe swelling and the formation of a hard bump at the site of the bite is possible in people who are hypersensitive to mosquito bites. In this case, the bite site must be treated with an ointment or lotion containing anti-inflammatory substances ( for example, hydrocortisone ointment). This will reduce swelling and itching. If the swelling persists, it is best to see a doctor, as this may be the first sign of a severe allergic reaction. If pronounced edema appears far from the site of the bite, you need to urgently seek medical help. In all cases, it is best to avoid repeated bites. The bump can persist for several days, but it usually resolves on its own.

What to do when spots appear?

The appearance of spots around the site of a mosquito bite is not typical. If the case occurs in areas where mosquitoes that carry infectious diseases are not found, red spots can be one of the manifestations of an allergic reaction. If bite spots appear in tropical countries, there is a risk of contracting some kind of infection. In any case, it is better for a person to consult a doctor to clarify the nature of this symptom.

What to do with mosquito bites on your face?

Mosquito bites on the face not only itch a lot, but also cause a temporary cosmetic defect. The increased itching is due to the large number of nerves and, as a result, the sensitivity of the skin in this area. It is impossible to comb such bites, as an infection can get into the wound. It is best to treat the bite with a cream or lotion that contains antihistamines. These components suppress allergic manifestations, and itching quickly disappears. If a wound forms during combing, you need to treat it with alcohol or cologne, and then seal it with adhesive plaster until a crust forms.

Do I need to see a doctor after being bitten by a mosquito?

During the warmer months, mosquitoes bite millions of people every day, and in the vast majority of cases, this does not require any medical attention. Slight redness, slight swelling and itching for several days is a normal reaction of the body to the ingress of insect saliva. A doctor should be consulted only in cases where there are any atypical symptoms and consequences of bites.

The following symptoms and complaints may be the reason for seeking medical help after a mosquito bite:

• severe pain at the site of the bite or unbearable itching;
• the appearance of a rash ( both at the site of the bite and in other parts of the body);
• temperature increase;
• the appearance of severe headaches, muscle pain or joint pain;
• pronounced swelling at the site of the bite;
• the formation of a seal or bump;
• signs of an allergic reaction after a bite.

Most often, in these cases, we are talking about a person's high sensitivity to mosquito bites, which is why severe redness, itching or induration appears at the site of the bite. These symptoms can be treated with a general practitioner ( family doctor, emergency doctor, general practitioner, etc.). The most qualified help can usually be provided by an allergist.

If a high temperature, joint aches and severe headaches appear, an urgent need to consult an infectious disease doctor. Such patients should be carefully examined with the appointment of all necessary tests for the main diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.

Why are mosquito bites dangerous?

In the overwhelming majority of cases, the bites of ordinary mosquitoes do not pose any danger to humans. The bite site may itch a lot, but in addition to temporary discomfort ( usually 1 - 2 days) there is no threat to health. However, mosquito bites should be avoided as there are risks involved.

In some cases, mosquito bites are dangerous for the following reasons:

• Combing the bite site. This problem occurs mainly in young children who cannot cope with the itching. The constant scratching of the bite site will damage the skin and form a wound that can get trapped in dirt or bacteria from the surface of the skin. And although the saliva of the mosquito itself does not harm in this case, as a result, an abscess often forms at the site of the bite. In severe cases, such patients require surgical debridement. Bites on the face, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe nasolabial triangle, are especially dangerous. From here, venous blood flows into deep veins, and infection can enter the skull. That is why adults should not comb mosquito bites, but children need to be looked after, and if a wound appears, disinfect it and seal it with adhesive plaster.
• Transmission of infectious diseases... Some infectious diseases can be transmitted with a mosquito bite. It has now been revealed that there are different types of mosquito vectors for each disease. Most of these species are found in warm countries. Diseases transmitted by these mosquitoes can be life-threatening. Malaria, dengue and yellow fever claim millions of lives each year and are serious problems in parts of Africa, South America and Asia.
• Allergic reactions. Mosquito bite allergies are relatively rare. In medicine, it has a specific name - kulicidosis. In fact, even a common mosquito bite with slight swelling and itching is of an allergic nature. But in young children or people with sensitive immune systems ( allergy sufferers) the reaction can be more intense. In rare cases, a mosquito bite can cause anaphylactic shock and be life-threatening.

Thus, mosquito bites in the vast majority of cases do not pose a serious problem, but under certain conditions they can be dangerous. If possible, it is recommended to avoid them, and not to ignore the unusual symptoms after the bite, if any.

What diseases are mosquitoes carrying?

There are many types of different mosquitoes in the world, but only a few of them pose a serious danger to humans. The most dangerous are mosquito bites, which can potentially carry infectious diseases. Such mosquitoes live mainly in warm countries. In Europe and many countries of the former USSR, the necessary measures were taken at one time to eliminate dangerous species of mosquitoes and infectious agents that are transmitted with mosquitoes.

Dengue fever is most common in the following regions:

• Africa;
• the countries of Southeast Asia;
• Oceania;
• Caribbean countries.

Dengue fever is a very dangerous disease. The first symptoms appear 3 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most typical is a sharp rise in temperature, which subsequently rises and falls in waves. Other symptoms common with dengue fever are rashes, headaches, muscle and joint pain, trouble sleeping, and more.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a severe viral disease that is very common in Africa and South America. The causative agent of the disease can be transmitted through the bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito from a sick person to a healthy one. For representatives of the European continent, this disease is dangerous only in case of rest in warm countries. Currently, there is a list of countries where the risk of contracting yellow fever is highest, therefore, upon entry, vacationers require a certificate of vaccination.

The main symptoms after a mosquito bite are:

• heat ( in severe cases up to 41 degrees);
• swelling of the face and eyelids;
• excruciating headaches;
• joint aches and aching muscle pains;
• yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes ( due to liver damage).

These symptoms appear suddenly 3 to 6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. It can be difficult to make a correct diagnosis, since a person could have returned from rest during this period of time, and the very place of a mosquito bite becomes almost invisible.

The disease is life-threatening, primarily due to rapidly developing renal failure and liver failure. In the absence of vaccination, mortality can be up to 10-15% of cases, even if treated correctly.

In which countries do dangerous mosquitoes live?

The most dangerous are the species of mosquitoes that can carry infectious diseases. Most of these species live in countries with warm and humid climates. Travelers and tourists are advised to know in advance what danger mosquitoes pose in a particular country. This will allow you to properly prepare for the trip. For example, to protect against yellow fever ( carried by some types of mosquitoes) there are special vaccines. Full information about the epidemiological situation in a particular country can be obtained on specialized sites or check with the tour operator. The table below lists the most dangerous types of mosquitoes and their habitats.

The spread of the most dangerous mosquito species

Most countries with high living standards are taking active measures to control the spread of dangerous mosquitoes. In tourist areas, special substances and devices are used to create security in a certain area. However, tourists should be careful. If a mosquito bites in one of these countries and displays unusual symptoms ( joint aches, rash, fever, etc.) you urgently need to see a doctor.

In addition, some countries require tourists to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entry. On arrival from countries endemic for these diseases, tourists with fever or other characteristic symptoms may be quarantined.

It should also be noted that dangerous mosquitoes sometimes "travel" with tourists. There are cases when infected mosquitoes were transported in luggage with things and infect people in countries where there are no tropical fevers. In these cases, an outbreak and spread of the disease does not occur, since mosquitoes in another climatic zone cannot transmit the virus, and the imported mosquito itself quickly dies.

Are there mosquito bite allergies?

An allergy to mosquito bites is called kulicidosis. This is a relatively rare occurrence that only occurs in allergy sufferers and young children. In children, the immune system, in principle, is not yet perfect compared to adults. Most of the substances that come into contact with the body are new. Proteins in mosquito saliva can also trigger an overactive reaction. In general, the mechanisms for the development of allergies are very complex, and it is difficult to say why some people have more allergic reactions than others.

Most often, a mosquito bite allergy is manifested by the following symptoms:

• extensive redness around the bite site ( diameter up to 5 cm and more);
• dense swelling around the bite site;
• severe itching ( sometimes unbearable);
• soreness of the skin around the bite when touched.

These symptoms usually develop fairly quickly and resemble a bee or wasp sting rather than a mosquito. Redness and swelling may persist for several days, creating severe discomfort. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can be generalized ( affect the whole body). There are several options for such reactions. First, urticaria ( characteristic rash on the body). Secondly, Quincke's edema may develop ( angioedema), in which very severe swelling occurs not at the site of the bite. First of all, laryngeal edema is dangerous, which can create breathing difficulties. The most severe variant of an allergic reaction is anaphylactic shock, in which blood pressure drops sharply, problems with breathing and heartbeat occur. Without urgent medical attention, a patient can die within 10 to 15 minutes. However, in the case of mosquito bites, such severe reactions are extremely rare. Before use, you must consult with a specialist.

Surely, it happened to you that on vacation you feel like in a war, because you have to fight off constant attacks of bloodsuckers, while your interlocutors sit quietly, without a single bite. So why, in one place, mosquitoes can react differently to people - some attract them, and others do not interest them at all? In this material you will learn all the secrets of choosing bloodsuckers. It is believed that the preference for mosquitoes is that of an ordinary person who does not tolerate insects. But many experts have conducted studies that have shown that the specific preferences of mosquitoes in relation to people are not at all a figment of the imagination. The choice may be due to several factors.

Number one is the color of the clothes. It turned out that mosquitoes follow fashion very closely, so to speak. Their attention is drawn to clothes of a certain color. Most often, mosquitoes fly to dark clothes, and classic dark colors are always in vogue.

Mosquitoes also pay attention to how actively a person moves and gestures with his hands. Therefore, you do not drive away insects, but, on the contrary, actively concentrate their attention on yourself.

For female mosquitoes, the navigation is the body temperature, namely its warmth. With the help of sensitive organs, mosquitoes can detect even the smallest difference in human body temperature, the most attractive for mosquitoes will be a person whose body temperature is higher than everyone else. Thus, for example, if you decide to work out in the fresh air on a summer evening, then be prepared for a mosquito attack. But not only those who have a high body temperature, but also pregnant women, who have higher than usual, fall into the risk zone for mosquito attacks.

Also, the attention of mosquitoes is attracted by carbon dioxide, which they find with the help of a special organ located next to the proboscis. They can smell gas at a distance of 50 meters. Human breathing plays an important role here. After all, we all breathe out carbon dioxide during the natural process of breathing, only someone less and someone more. Thus, for example, a woman who is in a position contains 21% more carbon dioxide than other people. By the way, children will attract the attention of mosquitoes much less, because they exhale less carbon dioxide than an adult.

Mosquitoes are very fond of the smell of alcohol and fly at it, here pregnant women are lucky. If a man with alcohol in his blood stands next to a woman in a position, then he will be the target of the insect, and not the woman. However, experts have not yet fully understood how mosquitoes determine the presence of alcohol in human blood or in the air. According to observations, it is enough to drink only 350 ml of beer for the mosquitoes to pay attention to the person.

Well, the last factor is the properties of human skin. Almost 85% of the attractiveness for bloodsuckers depends directly on the properties of the skin. You can wear only white things, try to breathe less, do not drink alcoholic beverages, but if the secretions from the glands of your skin contain a huge amount of milk and, then in this case you need to prepare for constant attacks of insects.

Tereshkina Anastasia

Have you (or one of your friends) felt like mosquitoes had targeted him? Research shows that mosquitoes do prefer some people over others, and there are several reasons for this.

How dangerous are mosquito bites?

But first, let's turn to an excerpt from a scientific article from the authoritative WebMD on the dangers of mosquito bites. In addition to unpleasant sensations, for some people, mosquito bites cause an allergic reaction. In addition, mosquitoes carry some diseases, for example, West Nile virus - this virus appeared in the United States in 1999, 7 deaths were recorded from it in 2007, and already 44 deaths - in 2008, but then the spread of the virus was managed. But much worse is malaria, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives a year in disadvantaged countries.

Actually, mosquitoes are called the most dangerous animal on the planet, since they claim more human lives than any other animal. Here's a visual infographic from WHO:

Sources: WHO and others.

But in the domestic regions, malaria is not as terrible as mosquito bites are unpleasant. Here are 7 scientifically proven reasons, explained by Dr. Jerry Butler of the University of Florida - why and when some people like mosquitoes more than others.

By the way, mosquitoes do not bite for food, only female mosquitoes drink blood in order to get more protein food to remove more healthy, well-fed mosquitoes.

Reason # 1: blood type 1

One study found that people with the first blood group had an 83% higher chance of being bitten by a mosquito. People with the second blood group are least susceptible to bites. Owners of the third blood group are somewhere in the middle for mosquitoes.

In addition, about 85% of people release micro doses of a substance that signals a blood group into the air, which attracts mosquitoes. By the way, those 15% that do not signal their blood group (regardless of the group itself) also do not attract mosquitoes so much.

Reason # 2: large body size

This is due to the amount of energy burned by the whole body (and, accordingly, the release of CO2 - carbon dioxide). Actually, mosquitoes are guided by CO2 in search of a victim and are able to smell its source from 50 (!) Meters.

This is why people who emit more CO2 - large people, adults (compared to children) - are more attracted to mosquitoes.

Reason # 3: pregnancy

One study found that pregnant women are on average 2 times more likely to attract mosquitoes than non-pregnant women. Scientists also attribute this to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted - pregnant women in the last stages exhale an average of 21% more CO2.

Reason # 4: exercise

Mosquitoes react to lactate that builds up in muscles after exercise and is released in sweat. Therefore, you are as attractive to mosquitoes as possible immediately after the exercise is over.

In addition, the body temperature rises from exercise, and this is also an attractive factor for mosquitoes.

Reason # 5: alcohol

Alcohol also causes the body to generate more heat, which is better at attracting mosquitoes.

Reason # 6: red or dark clothing

Entomologist Dr. Jonathan Day of the University of Florida explains: mosquitoes have problems with movement in space even in light winds - they are simply blown away, so they prefer to move in low level flight closer to the ground, and they are used to identifying victims by a silhouette that differs from the horizon. Dark and red silhouettes are much more attractive to mosquitoes, while light colored silhouettes are not as clearly visible to mosquitoes.

Reason # 7: other body chemistry

In addition to lactate and blood group secretions, a person can secrete other substances that attract mosquitoes, such as cholesterol. In general, a study at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found out how people who are almost not bitten by mosquitoes differ - the mixture of chemical elements released by their bodies differs from those who bite more - it turns out, and can even repel mosquitoes as a natural repellent.