Why Mosquitoes Like Biting Your Feet?

Blog   2017-08-01      2,801    0

Mosquitoes use specific sensors near their mouths to determine the presence of carbon dioxide. If carbon dioxide is in the area, the general assumption from mosquitoes is that humans or animals are exhaling it and present in the area. It isn’t just the presence of carbon dioxide though – if that were the case, they’d fly directly into our mouths. So they use a combination of information to figure out where to bite – the presence of carbon dioxide, and the differing body odors they can detect in areas such as our feet, faces, armpits, etc. As part of the first trial, researchers were able to block mosquitoes’ ability to sense carbon dioxide for a short time using a substance called butyryl chloride.

The researchers tested mosquitoes’ response to a range of smells. Mint was the biggest attractor of the group, while the smell of green fruit repelled them for around 5 minutes. That’s why many people believe eating fruits can repel mosquitoes to some extent, and this type of idea is quite popular on the Internet. After knowing the basic backgraound of mosquito’s biological structure, let’s down to the point about our topic then.

What’s the main reason that mosquitoes go right for our feet and ankles? Our feet produce higher numbers of stinky bacteria than other parts of our bodies, so they are able to identify our feet via smell. Mosquitoes may have learned over time to that we’re not as prone to slapping mosquitoes in that area of our bodies. And we’re less likely to cover up our feet and ankles, so that’s an easy, predictable place for them to target.

In addition, attemps to cover up your smell by taking lots of showers or loading up on perfume don’t work for what really works in terms of stopping that crazy-making hum is to block mosquito’s receptor, not with perfume.

So, what’s the best way to avoid mosquito bites? Make sure to apply the appropriate amount and strength of mosquito repellent such as Arrow’s best mosquito repellent for the area you are in.  And try to stay inside during prime mosquito-biting times, if possible mid morning and early evening. Keep areas in your yard and home clear of standing water. Mosquitoes can breed in something as small as a glass of water. You most likely won’t get to zero mosquito bites, but you can take steps to reduce the number of bites and thus the chance of mosquito-borne disease.

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