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Maybe it seems to you that talking about mosquitoes is still premature, but the truth is that some species of these bloodthirsty creatures can be active even during the cooler months. So if you woke up in the middle of winter with a familiar bite, don’t be surprised, a mosquito feasted on you!
There are approximately 3000 different species of mosquitoes, of which only just over 200 prefer human blood. It is they who in some countries transmit dangerous diseases and are the cause of unpleasant allergic reactions, itching and irritation. The warmer it gets, the more mosquitoes will spread even into our latitudes.
Why do they love you more than others?
Mosquitoes have an amazingly developed sense of smell and in the air they are as skilled as sharks in the water. There are several things they can detect at a great distance – carbon dioxide, bacteria, clothing, body odor and beer!
carbon dioxide
Some people exhale a larger amount of carbon dioxide than others. They can sense it from your breath at more than 50 meters and immediately head towards you . More of it is exhaled, for example, by pregnant women, people who exercise, those who had a glass of beer or people with a faster metabolism . Physical activity and beer increase it most quickly, causing your lungs to emit more carbon dioxide and this acts as a reliable navigation for mosquitoes.
pores
Body temperature and odor are also essential information . Your natural body odor can attract or repel mosquitoes even depending on your genes. Mosquitoes love certain body odors – lactic acid, uric acid, odors caused by bacteria and sweat are their favorites. Your individual chemistry, of course, also plays a role.
So – if you walk around in a sweaty T‑shirt, in the eyes of mosquitoes you are a very attractive victim and they will chase you. Scientists have also shown that some people have a natural “scent” that acts on mosquitoes like a repellent .
Clothing and its color
Clothing that blends with the light – lighter, bright colors – is confusing to mosquitoes and is the easiest way to keep them off your body. On the other hand distinct – especially dark and red colors act as targets . >You will be most visible in red when you are moving.
How to keep them away from your body?
There are a whole range of ways to do this. Besides avoiding standing water, also beware of tall grass – mosquitoes in high vegetation attack primarily the legs and can be really annoying .
The more you shower and the more you smell nice , the less mosquitoes can detect your natural scent and thus recognize you . They also dislike citrus scents , eucalyptus and mint . Creams and lotions also increase protection against mosquitoes. A good tip is to put a few drops of essential oil on a bracelet or clothing (tea tree, lemongrass, mint or eucalyptus).
Mosquitoes are most active at certain daytime and nighttime hours . The more often you stay indoors with air conditioning or a fan, the less of a problem you’ll have with them.
How to quickly soothe a bitten spot?
Against unpleasant bites a great tip is to dab the irritated spot with tea tree oil or organic apple cider vinegar as soon as possible after the bite. Oat flour in the bath also neutralizes itching .. Rubbing the area with honey, aloe vera gel or a paste of baking soda also works great.
