This Is the One Trait That Makes You More Prone to Mosquito Bites
You’ve got your pretzel and pizza pool floats ready, your gorgeous DIY beach umbrella is packed, you’ve loaded your bag with SPF essentials and you’re ready to spend a fab day outdoors. There’s just one thing you’re not looking forward to: battling all those pesky mosquitos!
Whether you’re hanging out at the beach or partying by the pool, if you’re anything like us, you always find yourself thinking, “Why am I the only one getting bitten? Whyyy?” As it turns out, there might actually be a scientific reason behind it. And according to numerous studies, your lifestyle and how you behave outdoors also play a big part.
First things first: genetics. Genetics account for 85 percent of your susceptibility, particularly when it comes to your blood type. If you happen to be Type O, you are, unfortunately, mosquitoes’ all-time favorite snack, and that one trait can increase your chances of getting bitten by 83 percent. (#Sorry). As reported by Treehugger, anyone with Type O blood is twice as likely to attract the annoying insect than someone with Type A blood, which is of minimal interest. For anyone out there rockin’ Type B, you fall somewhere in the middle of the pack.
And that’s not all: Other factors can also increase your popularity with bugs. If you’re planning to sip on a refreshing sangria while basking in the sun, for instance, know that you might be making yourself more of a target. “The theory is [that] alcohol may raise your body temperature a little bit and make you more attractive to mosquitoes,” Dr. Jon Steadman told CBS.
Thinking of playing volleyball or being active during your get-together? Yup, that might have an adverse effect, too. According to the aforementioned CBS report, mosquitoes are drawn to lactic acid, which the body produces in high amounts during exercise. They’re also drawn to individuals with higher levels of cholesterol, steroids and carbon dioxide, which means you should take extra precautions if you’re pregnant and exhaling more CO2 than usual — pregnant women are twice as delicious to a hungry mosquito with a hankering.
So what should you do to protect yourself? No, don’t cancel your plans and stay indoors. Keep these facts in mind and stock up on DIY mosquito repellent (and this Victoria’s Secret perfume for good measure), then get out there and enjoy your summer!
Do you have a go-to trick for repelling mosquitos? Tweet us @BritandCo.
(h/t Bustle, photo via Ethan Miller/Getty)
