As Australians, we know for every stunning landscape and outdoor adventure, that we’ll be travelling with our unpleasant companion, mosquitoes. If you’re frequently getting bitten by mosquitoes and covered in itchy bites, you’re not alone. While you may be a mosquito magnet, others may escape relatively unscathed. But why is that? Well, it’s for a lot of reasons, that we’ll discuss.
Factors to Why You’re Getting Bitten by Mosquitoes:
Climate:
Australia’s diverse climate plays a significant role in mosquito activity. Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid environments, making tropical and subtropical regions, such as the Sunshine State, Queensland and the great Northern Territory, hot spots for these pests. However, even in temperate areas, mosquito populations can surge during warmer months, especially near stagnant bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and backyard pools. If you live or spend time in these areas, you’re more likely to encounter mosquitoes, particularly during dawn and dusk when they’re most active.
Blood type:
Interestingly mosquitoes find some blood types more desirable than others. Studies have shown that people with Type O blood are more attractive to mosquitoes than those with other blood types. It’s believed that people with Type O blood produce antigens that are more detectable by mosquitoes as they can be present in bodily fluids such as sweat.
Body Exposure:
Mosquitoes tend to bite areas of the body where blood vessels are closer to the surface, making ankles and feet particularly vulnerable. Additionally, our feet, arms and legs produce bacteria and sweat, which can be appealing to mosquitoes. If you notice that your lower legs and feet are consistently covered in bites, it’s because mosquitoes are drawn to the combination of warmth, sweat, and accessible blood vessels in these areas.
Colour:
The colour of your clothing can influence how often you get bitten by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours such as black, navy, and red because they stand out, making you more visible to them. Wearing lighter colours like white, beige or pastels, lowers your chance of being bitten.
Clothing:
In addition to colour, the type of clothing you wear can make a difference in how often you’re getting bitten. Mosquitoes can easily penetrate through thin fabrics using their 2mm long proboscis, so making sure to wear loose-fitting tightly woven clothing can provide a physical barrier that keeps mosquitos away. Long sleeves, pants and socks are best when venturing into mosquito-prone areas, especially for all our adventurers and campers.
Diet:
The food and drink you consume can influence how attractive you are to mosquitos. Consuming alcohol, particularly beer, has been linked to an increase in mosquito bites. This is likely due to the ethanol emitted through sweat. Additionally, foods that increase your body temperature or cause you to sweat, such as spicy foods, can make you more appealing to mosquitoes.
Carbon dioxide:
Mosquitoes are very sensitive to carbon dioxide and can sense breathing from metres away. An increase in carbon dioxide levels alerts mosquitoes that a potential host is nearby, making it easy for them to target you. Therefore, the more you exhale, the more attractive you become to mosquitoes. This is why it’s typical to feel bitten after strenuous exercise or heavy movement such as setting up a campsite or hiking.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites:
So, what can you do to protect yourself from mosquitoes? Applying a high-quality, DEET-free insect repellent, such as The Locals Insect Repellent, is an effective and easy way to prevent those nasty bites. But that’s not all, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Use Insect Repellent Regularly: Reapply repellent as needed, especially after sweating or swimming.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Choose light-coloured, tightly woven fabrics, and cover as much skin as possible.
- Avoid Peak Mosquito Times: Stay indoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Avoid Stagnant Water: Check your surroundings for stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed.
- Use Fans Outdoors: Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so setting up a fan can help keep them away.
Understanding factors why mosquitoes target you such as climate, blood type, body exposure, clothing, diet, and carbon dioxide can help reduce bites. By using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, avoiding peak mosquito times, and eliminating stagnant water, you can better protect yourself and enjoy the Australian outdoors bite-free.
