AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR
IN PAKISTAN
AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR
IN PAKISTAN
AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR
Dengue Alert | 5 Reasons Why Mosquito Prefers to Bite Certain People More
By: Ahmad Mujtaba
As dengue cases rise during the Monsoon season in Pakistan, many wonder: “Why do mosquitoes prefer to bite me more than others?” It’s not random. Scientific research shows that mosquitoes are selective biters and if you’re in those 5 reasons, most chances are that you’ll be the next victim. In this blog, you will come to know about those requirements, dengue awareness for you and how to control them.
Every summer in Pakistan, from Lahore’s monsoon-hit streets to Karachi’s humid evenings, a common complaint echoes across homes: “Mujhe hi zyada machhar kyun kaat’te hain?” If you’ve ever felt you’re a mosquito magnet, science has an answer for you — and it’s not superstition. Time to debunk myths and answer the problem scientifically.
What You Must Know | Key Takeaways!
- Mosquitoes are the small flying insects consisting of 3600 species yet to be known and their major prey is humans not from now but since centuries.
- The mosquito lifecycle consists of 4 stages; egg, larvae, pupae and The eggs are mostly laid in stagnant water.
- Mosquitoes are the only insects that have killed humans more than anyone on the Earth
- The World Health Organization estimates around 700,000 annual human deaths caused by these vector borne diseases.
- Dengue is the most widespread viral infection caused by Aedes mosquitoes.
- It’s deadly & fatal for the children under the age of 5 or elder people who usually have less immunity than the younger ones.
- In 1897, Sir Ronald Ross, serving in the Indian Medical Service, discovered that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit
- This revelation made scientists realize that the threat they pose is it is far more dangerous than itchiness and allergy.
Reasons Why They Prefer to Bite Certain People More:
Do mosquitoes prefer a certain blood type? Maybe yeah, but it’s not just one factor Studies tell, only female mosquitoes bite people and they prefer certain individuals over others. These include;
1) Body Odor & Chemicals:
Mosquitoes don’t prefer to bite randomly. They use specialized sensors to detect certain odors and chemicals. Studies show that individuals who emit higher levels of carboxylic acids (natural skin secretions) are more attractive to mosquitoes.
In the 1950s, scientists used heated, CO₂-emitting, sweat-scented steel tanks shaped like humans to test mosquito behavior. They discovered that mosquitoes were significantly more attracted to body temperature, carbon dioxide, and human sweat.
Later studies confirmed that human odors are more appealing than animal scents, and carbon dioxide enhances mosquitoes’ sensitivity to skin-related smells.
2) Carbon Dioxide:
Mosquitoes can sense CO₂ from up to 10 meters away — even through walls and windows. The more you exhale, the more attractive you become. It can get more and more in people who do exercises. You may get more mosquito bites when exercising because you exhale more carbon dioxide.
Their attraction to carbon dioxide may explain why mosquitoes tend to buzz around your head. The carbon dioxide concentration is highest near the nose and mouth area.
3) Blood Type – Especially Type O:
To mosquitoes, some blood are much more desirable than the other ones. Most of them prefers people with O blood group but it may vary with the species.
Type AB: Asian tiger mosquito and Aedes prefer this blood type the most.
Type O: Anopheles love people with this blood group.
4) Body Heat & Sweat:
Mosquitoes use thermal imaging to locate warm-blooded hosts. People who do exercise a lot and sweat more are usually warmer in body temperature. They do prefer them. Meanwhile, sweat contains lactic acid, ammonia, and other substances that further enhance their preference.5) Pregnancy:
It is also pretty famous that pregnancy attracts some mosquito species. There hasn’t been a lot of research on this, but a study in Africa in 2000 found that twice as many mosquitoes preferred towards pregnant people compared to non-pregnant people.Researchers do believe this for 2 reasons; Higher degree of heat during that time and greater levels of CO2.Why This Matters in Pakistan the Most….?
- Pakistan experiences thousands of dengue and malaria cases every
- Lack of awareness about mosquito behavior increases
- Carelessness in
- Delay in adopting safety
How to Control…..?
Early steps are always required to be on the safer zone from any disease. Mosquito nests, cleanliness, removal of stagnant water are some key things to have in your bag for its effective control. But once you’re infested by a large number of mosquitos in your homes then it is the right time to call professionals and to choose the right people who must be well experts. Insecticides like DELT can be the effective solution as well.
Still have Queries? TPL (PVT) pest control services are there for you just a call away!
©️ The Planters Pvt Ltd (TPL). All Rights Reserved.