It seems that I am plagued by mosquitoes at my mum's place. In order to exterminate them thoroughly think I ought to do some research to fully understand the species and find out if there is a preferential list for blood types.
According to Wikipedia, both male and female mosquitoes are nectar feeders, but the females of many species are also capable of hematophagy (drinking blood). Females do not require blood for their own survival, but they do need supplemental substances such as protein and iron to develop eggs. Mosquitoes are crepuscular (dawn or dusk) feeders. During the heat of the day most mosquitoes rest in a cool place and wait for the evenings. Prior to and during blood feeding, they inject saliva into the bodies of their source of blood, which cause the itchiness effect.
Other sites mentioned that Scientists have identified several proteins found in mosquitoes’ antennae and heads that latch on to chemical markers, or odorants, emitted from our skin. These markers are produced by the natural processes of our bodies and, like neon signs, they let the mosquitoes’ smell center know you’re around. Flies and mosquitoes share a number of the same genes that dictate production of these odorant-binding proteins, which have specific sites that will catch or bind with certain chemicals in the air. { That's why I also attract bees on several occassions! Even got stung in the ear when I was a kid!!} Scientists also suggest that certain other characteristics also lead us to have more bites than others. Some of the top candidates are - the amount of carbon dioxide in the breath, pregnancy, body temperature, alcohol and odorant markers based on blood type and 1-octen-3-ol.
So what is 1-octen-3-ol ?
Octenol for short also known as mushroom alcohol, is a chemical that attracts biting insects. It is contained in human breath and sweat, and it was once believed that insect repellent DEET works by blocking the insects' octenol odorant receptors. Octenol is produced by several plants and fungi, including edible mushrooms. Its odor has been described as green and moldy or meaty; it is used in certain perfumes.
Which are the blood types which are more susceptible to bites?
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=15311477&ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
The above study found persons with Type O blood suffered more mosquito landings because of the odorant markers they emit than any other blood type, making their juices a hot commodity for blood banks, as well as Asian Tiger or Aedes Mosquitoes, which carry West Nile Virus.
Not only were Type O’s more likely to be landed on, but the study found that for any blood type, people who secreted a chemical marker about their blood type through their skin (both blood type and secretor status are determined by genes) were bitten much more than non-secretors; 24 percent in the case of the Type O’s.
Not only did the study demonstrate that blood group O subjects attracted more Aedes albopictus than other blood groups (B, AB, and A) it has proven that it's only significantly more attractive than blood group A subjects in 64 human landing tests.
Which makes both mine and baby's blood juicier than grandmummy's and yi yi's since we are type A and O.
Better take all precautions!!
In short, why I am usually getting the bites might be due to the following reasons:-
1) My body expels more Co2 and 'mushroom alcohol'( haha might be due to my diet of fish with mushroom).
2) I may be a heat magnet... mothers who breastfeed tends to have a higher bodily temp.
3) I like to wear dark clothings - explains the optical recognition theory and most of the time I get attacked in the dark.
4) I get more bites in the garden area as it's more humid than at home.
5) Or could it be the perfume / perfumed products which I am using? Or the pheromones. i.e. a specific type of smell that I exude.
6) And last but not least my blood type!
So what are the solutions?
- Some recommend taking Vitamin B ( supposedly poisonous to mosquitos) ie eat loads of Marmite and they'll leave you alone!
- Some said eating garlic, or citrus fruits regularly would allow you to get bitten less!
- Start dirnking tonic water cause Quinine in the blood would repel them.
- Start losing weight cause fat people tends to be bitten more.
- Use deodorant to reduce chemical markers.
- Use loads of citronella oils. Start by planting these in the garden, apparently the oil could be extracted when the leaves are crushed.
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