Summer is short in the midwest. We want to make the most of what time we have with temperatures that don't involve parkas. While summer is so great, there is at least one thing to hate about it – mosquito bites. For some people mosquitoes are more attracted to them. Why that is?
According to research, mosquitoes are attracted to:
- People with higher body temperatures.
- People who are active during exercise, because they produce more carbon dioxide and sweat containing lactic acid, and have higher body temperatures.
- People with higher concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin’s surface.
- People with higher levels of stress (they can detect hormones related to stress).
- Pregnant women because of their higher body temperatures and production of more CO2.
- People wearing dark clothes, like reds, blacks and blues.
- Alcohol drinkers because blood vessels dilate, increasing skin temperature. Also, ethanol content in sweat attracts them.
So, what are the best ways to keep yourself from getting bitten? Steps to take include:
- Shower after exercising, to reduce sweat and decrease temperature
- Cover exposed skin
- Wear light-colored clothing
- Increase air movement on decks and patios using oscillating fans
- Of course, use EPA-registered mosquito repellent
Source:Yahoo Finance
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