Are you the member of the family who spends most of the summer scratching mosquito bites? Do you always take the brunt of the bites while everyone else seems to be left alone? It turns out, mosquitoes simply find you far more irresistible than the rest of your family and friends! It's more than just bad luck - pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, have revealed the reasons why some people are bitten by mosquitoes more often, and it's much more complex than you might imagine!
Here is what pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, have to say!
How Do Mosquitoes Hunt?
Did you know that mosquitoes have very limited vision? They can see movement and perceive outlines and shapes in black and white, but are unable to discern much detail. This means that they are unlikely to be able to find their next meal by sight alone; they need to rely on other methods, such as smell and heat signatures. Mosquitoes have an incredible sense of smell thanks to an organ called the maxillary palp. This enables the detection of various chemicals that can be used to determine where to feed. When humans breathe, we exhale carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes can detect from a distance of over 160 feet away. However, mosquitoes' sense of smell, while keen, has limitations, and many variables might throw them off the scent. That's where infrared detection comes into play. At the very ends of a mosquito’s antennae are special proteins tuned to detect temperature changes, giving them the ability to “spot” body heat.
What Makes Me Attractive To Mosquitoes?
Now that you have a better understanding of how mosquitoes find a host to feed on, the question remains - how do they choose which human at the cookout they will bite? Pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, explain the factors that will make certain people more susceptible to mosquito bites. These include the following:
- Blood Type - Did you know that mosquitoes favor particular blood types? This can vary from one species to the next, but in general terms, type O blood is the preference. It is not yet known exactly why O is more appetizing, but many pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, believe it may be specific chemical or protein signals in that blood type.
- Pregnancy - Many symptoms can make pregnancy uncomfortable, but few people realize that mosquito bites are one of them! During pregnancy, a woman's body temperature runs slightly higher than usual, and will emits higher levels of carbon dioxide, making pregnant women an easier target for mosquitoes to locate.
- Bacteria - Mosquitoes can detect a wide range of bacteria that can live on your skin. Certain bacteria will produce lactic acid, which is more attractive to mosquitoes. The more diverse the bacterial profile of your skin, the more likely it is that mosquitoes will choose you over others sitting near you.
- Carbon Dioxide Output - As previously mentioned, mosquitoes use carbon dioxide to locate hosts. That means the more you exhale, the more attractive you are to mosquitoes. The amount of carbon dioxide you exhale will vary based on factors such as your size, metabolism, and activity levels.
- Genetics - According to pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, around 80% of the population has a gene called FUT2 that causes the body to secrete blood type antigens in bodily fluids, including saliva and sweat. Those with this gene are more likely to be bitten.
- Alcohol Levels - Do you enjoy throwing back a couple of beers while relaxing in your backyard in the summer? If so, then you could be inadvertently attracting those pesky mosquitoes. Alcohol causes you to sweat more and increases your body temperature, making you more attractive to mosquitoes. Pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, report a noticeable preference among mosquitoes for individuals who have recently consumed alcohol.
- Clothing Choices - Due to the limited sight that mosquitoes have, they can see you better when you wear dark colors versus bold ones. You should choose light or earth-toned clothing when outside to reduce your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.
While it might feel like mosquitoes have singled you out for their summer buffet, science – and pest control companies in Knoxville, TN – suggest it’s more about biology and behavior than bad luck. Your blood type, body heat, carbon dioxide output, and even your choice of clothing can all make you a prime target. The good news? By understanding what attracts mosquitoes, you can take proactive steps to make yourself less appealing to them. Whether that means switching up your wardrobe, limiting alcohol consumption before outdoor gatherings, or hiring trusted pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, you can reclaim your summer evenings and enjoy the outdoors without becoming the main course.
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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee!
Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.
112 Hayfield Road 
