Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 10:30 am Post subject: Why some people attract mosquito bites
Scientists believe they have discovered the reason why mosquitoes find some of us more tasty than others.
It was already known that some people produce "come and get me" smells which appeal to the blood-suckers.
Rothamsted Research, in Herts, found those less likely to be bitten produced odours which masked these scents.
The natural repellent could be used to protect everyone from the bugs, suggests the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
Masking attractiveness
Until that happens, people who are frequently bitten might benefit from hanging around those who escape relatively unscathed.
When herds of cattle contain larger numbers of cows that give off masking odours, fewer mosquitoes will bother the herd.
Rothamsted Research tested the behavioural reaction of yellow fever mosquitoes to the odour of a handful of volunteers.
The results identified several compounds that reduced "an attractive person down to a level of attractiveness that is similar to blank air", said team member James Logan.
Other researchers had presumed some people were lacking certain attractive odours.
"What we are saying is these attractants are still there but some people produce extra chemicals which can mask them," he said.
Hot sweat
He said it might be possible to make new insect repellents that contain these natural masking odours.
They would likely be completely odourless to humans, unlike current mosquito repellents, he said.
Colleague Professor John Pickett said: "We have identified about 11 compounds. We are going to narrow that down to the most attractive and work out which mixtures of those are the most effective."
Professor Chris Curtis of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said it was true that some people were more attractive to mosquitoes than others, but warmth "is another important factor".
One of his students found that his warm, sweaty jogging socks were particularly alluring to the bugs.
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This might be news to scientists, but many people were aware that something like this was happening.
It has long been said that taking vitamin B50, or even B1 regularly will prevent mossie bites.
Much better than relying on anti-maleria preparatons, as mossies can also carry many other diseases,quite apart from the irritation of being bitten.
I tried B50 last summer and found it effective at preventing bites from the flying manaces we have in the UK. (Whilst not common, we do get some mossies plus many other biting insects here.)
Many people have found it works in tropical countries.
well c'mon How do we produce these odors which mask the mosquito attracting odors. I get bitten to death every night--solutions welcome. _________________ Asia Expats Forum Expat Friends Dating
Take 1 Vitamin B50 (available from health food shops) each day, for a month before travelling and whist staying in areas where mossies are common.
If you cant find B50 (which is a compound of several of the B vitamins) take B1 of any multiple B vitamin, all of which will work, but not quite as well.
Many people claim that it does, and my limited test certainly showed they are corect.
Apparently all it does is slightly alter the smell / taste of the skin so that it isnt as pleasant to musies and other flying nasties.
Try it for a couple of months and see.
However, I reckon a good mosquito net at night, and keeping arms / legs covered in the evenings is sensible too.
I think lots of mosquitos are attracted to me.
I knew it because when I was in the room with my mom, I was the only one who's got bitten. I thought mosquitos prefer my fresh young blood
I think lots of mosquitos are attracted to me.
I knew it because when I was in the room with my mom, I was the only one who's got bitten. I thought mosquitos prefer my fresh young blood
Yes mosquitos go by the survival of the fittest. Only sucking blood from the healthiest and most fit mammals. Thats why they also bite me to death _________________ Asia Expats Forum Expat Friends Dating
I've heard that using lemon grass will repel misquitos. Also mint. Cook with either of these, ingest them... but you'd have to eat a lot for it to be effective. Another thing I've read about is making a spray or lotion with the mint leaves. Haven't tried it, but it's supposed to keep most insects away. _________________ Just2ChatGeneral Discussion Forums
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