Summer brings the nuisance of mosquito bites, but an expert provides guidance on how to prevent them, alleviate itching, and understand why certain individuals seem to attract more mosquitoes.
Dr. Mojca Kristan, Assistant Professor in Medical Entomology at the London School of Hygiene, advises eliminating standing water in areas like watering cans, buckets, and bird baths, as these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. She also recommends using insect repellent containing DEET, a chemical that masks human scent from mosquitoes, as a highly effective preventative measure.
Kristan suggests wearing socks to bed, as feet and ankles, with their higher concentration of sweat and odor, are particularly appealing to mosquitoes. She cautions against insect repellent bracelets and bands, stating they are largely ineffective.
Regarding plug-in repellents, Kristan notes that some chemical liquid vaporizers can create a barrier that prevents mosquitoes from detecting humans. However, she warns that ultrasonic electronic plug-ins are ineffective as the high-pitched noise does not deter mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes are most active in the evening and nighttime, but some species may also bite during dawn, dusk, and even daytime. Reactions to mosquito bites vary significantly among individuals. Some people develop desensitization over time, while others experience mild hypersensitivity, leading to larger swelling. These reactions are the body's immune response to mosquito saliva, typically lasting a few days. The severity of the reaction can also depend on the mosquito species.
While mosquito bites generally heal on their own, over-the-counter creams can help ease symptoms. Kristan emphasizes the importance of not scratching bites, as this can increase the risk of skin infection.
Kristan explains that an individual's attractiveness to mosquitoes is influenced by genetics, chemistry, and biology. People with higher concentrations of carboxylic acids, or fatty acids produced by skin's microbiome, on their skin are often more attractive. Additionally, individuals who exhale more carbon dioxide or have higher body temperatures are more likely to be targeted by mosquitoes, as the insects can detect CO2 from approximately 30 meters and body heat from within one meter. While some studies suggest a preference for certain blood groups, Kristan states that genetic factors are largely responsible for an individual's susceptibility to bites.