Outside of there finally being sunshine and some decent weather, there are plenty of other things to enjoy about the summer months. It becomes acceptable to spend all of your leisure time in parks picnicking and day-drinking, outdoor sports suddenly become a thing that people do again, and yes, there are holidays to be taken.
Whilst we tend to spend the autumn and winter months hibernating from the world, glued to our Netflix accounts, we all collectively jump ship to other countries and continents as soon as June hits. But whether you're fleeing to regions that offer white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise water or scintillating city-breaks, one thing is for sure: you're going to have to brave the mosquitos.
Now, I don't know about you, but I am one of those unlucky souls that mosquitos seem to absolutely
love. While my friends all come home with perfect golden tans, I return with rather unsavoury red blotches all over my skin. And despite fellow mosquito magnets searching high-and-low for an explanation as to why they aways end up resembling a spotty mess come bikini season, we've never been granted one.
As it turns out, humans attract mosquitos for a variety of completely disparate reasons - let's see if we can solve the problem at last...
1. The amount of carbon dioxide you exhume can make you more appetising to mosquitos
Female mosquitoes have nerves which contain receptors designed to pick up carbon dioxide. This allows them to sense our presence, via the gusts of air that we exhale. People who are pregnant or have a high body mass index produce more carbon dioxide, meaning that they're more likely to be bitten than the average person.
2. Your blood type can also determine whether you're likely to attract the pesky parasites...
A recent study concluded that those with Type O blood are twice as attractive to mosquitos than people with Type A blood. But if you're Type A or have the middling Type B blood type, you may want to hold off rejoicing, as the study also details that 85 per cent of the population produce a hormonal secretion which sends out signals about what blood type they are and mosquitoes, regardless of the blood type, are inevitably drawn to those who secrete the chemical. In fact, they are 85 per cent more likely to bite those who produce the secretion than those who don't.
3. As does a higher body temperature
You might want to hold off exercising, as well as gaining weight or getting pregnant, because they all raise your body temperature, making you more likely to get bitten by mosquitos.
4. Again, you might want to steer clear of exercise
Vigorous exercise increases the quantity of lactic acid your skin secretes. This, as well as giving you sore muscles the following day, functions as an aphrodisiac for mosquitos, sending them swarming to your skin.
5. The type of microbes that live on your skin may also attract mosquitos
Scientific research has shown that the types and amount of bacteria one your skin can give you a greater propensity for attracting mosquitos. As we all know, we're absolutely teeming with microscopic organisms which call our skin home. Researchers concluded that some people just have a more appealing mix of microbes, leading them to be bitten more than other people. This could also explain why people tend to get bitten on their feet and ankles as these areas are usually quite densely populated with bacteria.
And no, no matter how many time you wash your hands, you can't scrub these kinds of microbes away.
6. If you don't want to be attacked by mosquitos, avoid wearing darkly coloured clothing
Mosquitos are attracted to dark colours, as well as bold and vibrant colours, so try to steer clear of wearing dark colours such as navy, maroon or black, and opt for lighter, milder colours instead.
7. Drinking beer
Yes, this is undoubtedly the worst one of them all. Whilst researchers have no idea why alcohol consumption attracts mosquitos, it just does. So instead of indulging in the mandatory glass of rosé or pint of pale ale whilst on holiday, it might be a better idea to swap it out for a soft drink.
So it appears that there is actually very little that we can do to repel mosquitos. But if you truly do find yourself in a pickle, you could always forgo your sartorial preferences and put down that beer.
Personally, I'd prefer to take my chances...
