2006-10-22 21:46:59 · 24 answers · asked by Cath 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
There are several factors. Are they wearing a fruit smelling perfume, or a cologne that is attractive to bugs? Do they naturally have a higher zinc level in the blood, or are they diabetic? These are just a few examples of things that would attract an insect to one person over another.
2006-10-22 21:49:59 · answer #1 · answered by firerookie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparently, everybody gets bitten at much the same rate, it's all down to how the individual reacts to the anticoagulent that the insect pumps in when it bites. They have done a study though that shows that certain foods can make a difference to how much mosquitoes are attracted to you - if you eat bananas, you are far more likely to get bitten, and if you eat Marmite/Vegemite you are less likely to be bitten. It's quite hard for mosquitoes to bite oily skin, so body lotion with bug spray on the top really puts them off.
2006-10-23 04:55:29 · answer #2 · answered by f0xymoron 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The females of blood sucking species locate their victims primarily through scent. They are extremely sensitive to the carbon dioxide in exhaled breath, as well as several substances found in sweat. Some people seem to attract mosquitoes more than others. Empirical studies of mosquito bites suggest that the risk of being bitten follows an approximately negative binomial distribution. Being male, being overweight, and having type 'O' blood may increase the risk of being bitten. Mosquitoes can detect heat, so they can find warm-blooded mammals and birds very easily once they get close enough.
2006-10-23 05:19:10 · answer #3 · answered by genghis41f 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well lets take mosquitoes for example: the red itchy spots that people get from their bites are a reaction to the anti-coagulent that is injected into the skin to help thin the blood. Some people are immune to this and thus not affected by it, so even if they are bitten they probably wont know about it.
2006-10-23 04:56:52 · answer #4 · answered by Jonny SA 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a personal experiment some years back. Where I live, mosquitoes thrive in the rainy season (the frogs and lizards in the football courts are a consolation!)
The end result? Mosquities are attracted more to sweaty bodies than a freshly-bathed one!
Another reason? Those who don't get bitten as much are secretly using mosquito-repellants or they don't perspire as much.
2006-10-23 05:02:06 · answer #5 · answered by MyQute 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The darned things loved me on my visit to USA! I think the others may well have it about right, its a reaction thing, my husband had very few apparent. On my return home to England, I was told by a receptionist at my Doctors, they she and all the Doctors and staff, have found that a tablespoon of vinegar each day (If you can stomach it!) is a wonderful deterrent,. the little critters do not like the smell of it, as it comes out of the sweat pores during the day - well its worth a try!?
2006-10-23 11:36:50 · answer #6 · answered by SUPER-GLITCH 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is such a great question! Thank you. I have wondered this for years ever since my wife and I went walking thru a rain forest in Costa Rica and she got over 140 insect bites (they called them Baruccas) and I received none. She had to go to the hospital. She does NOT wear hair spray, cologne, or smelly lotions due to allergies. She was wearing the same colored clothes as I was so it wasn't that. The only thing I can come up with is that I like to eat garlic. In my scrambled eggs in the morning, in my my lunch and in my dinner. I love it. Maybe they don't like garlic or maybe.... maybe they just don't like me!
2006-10-23 04:54:36 · answer #7 · answered by barkel76 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I imagine it is something to do with our general chemistry, more of one chemical or another. I wish I knew if there was anything I could do about it because mossies really seem to love biting me! Apparently you are less likely to get bitten if you eat lots of garlic as it puts them off, however, it would probably have people staying well away too!! I'll look forward to any more comprehensive answers to your question for my own interest! Thanks for asking it!
2006-10-23 04:58:48 · answer #8 · answered by peggy*moo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Women who wear perfume are maybe mistaken by the insects for plants or flowers.
2006-10-23 04:50:11 · answer #9 · answered by Social Science Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are sweeter.
I was advised to take vitamin b twice a day the mosie's don't like it [works for me]
Take a tablet 1 hr before you go out
You could try taking brewers yeast or drink beer.
You have to drink a beer not lager,the little whatsits don't like the smell when secreted
2006-10-23 05:04:23 · answer #10 · answered by echo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋