Why Are Some People Mosquito Magnets?

First time accepted submitter CherryLongman writes "If you feel as if every mosquito in a 50-mile radius has you locked in its sights, while your friends are rarely bitten, you could be right. Up to 20 percent of us are highly alluring to mosquitoes — and scientists have discovered some surprising reasons."

Comments

I have a similar effect on psycho women

[TWiTfan]

You can ask any number of my former girlfriends--if you can keep them from stabbing you, setting fire to your house, or trying to poison your dog long enough to ask.

Re:I have a similar effect on psycho women

[SJHillman]

Attract bloodsuckers of one species, attract bloodsuckers of all species.

Re:I have a similar effect on psycho women

[PPH]

NSFW: http://isnsfw.blogspot.com/2011/10/whats-difference-between-me-and.html

Re:Chased by every one in 50 mi radius

[Attila Dimedici]

I have the same problem with chicks.

That is probably a result of the kernels of corn you scatter behind you every where you go. And is also probably an explanation for your inability to attract women.

Summary of article in a few lines

[XxtraLarGe]

So people here can stop guessing:

Mosquitos prefer blood type O
Most people secrete substances that allow mosquitoes to identify blood type before they bite.

Beer drinkers beware
Swigging just one bottle of beer can significantly boost your risk of being bitten

Watch out for the full moon
The tiny bloodsuckers are 500 times more active when the moon is full

Keep your socks on
The pungent aroma of dirty feet is apparently irresistible to mosquitoes

Mosquitos know if you're expecting
Moms-to-be get bitten about twice as often as women who aren't pregnant

Running won't help you
Both the carbon dioxide we exhale and substances in sweat, such as lactic acid, help mosquitoes home in on their prey.

Dark-colored clothing can increase your risk of falling victim
Like vampires, they prefer dark clothes

Re:Moquito trap

[DeathToBill]

Found a better solution, emigrated to the USA ;-)

I'm not clear. Does this help because the USA has no mosquitoes? Or because you can now use assault weapons on them?

Re:This is science?

[SJHillman]

One lab tech smart enough to get paid to sit around in his underwear.

Re:Iron in blood attracts mosquitos.

[Andrio]

Here's an interesting thought in regards to mosquitoes. The only ones that bite are the females when they're going to lay eggs, since they need tho protein for the eggs.

So when one bites you, and then goes off to lay eggs, the new mosquitoes that originate are created from *your protein* Like was created from your blood!

It's like you have little yous flying around :)

Great ways to keep from being bitten - BOFH

[sl4shd0rk]

* Rub yourself down with Olive oil. Extra virgin in particular. Oh, don't stand too close to the bonfire.

* DEET. Soak your cigar in it. The combination of second hand smoke and smell of chemical burns is a bit too much for them.

* Cover all exposed areas. A scarf works great for the neck and stocking cap for the head. I find an additional two layers of sweatpants and sweatshirts keeps the buggers from reaching you. Oh, three pair of socks and rain boots for the feet.

* Pig manure. It may sound crazy, but it works. Stop by your local pig farm on the way to your outdoor event and have a quick roll in the barnyard. Be sure to cover everything. After an hour or so, the manure dries to a hard crust which will protect you from being bitten for the rest of the day. Be sure to cover your face or they'll go for that in frustration.

Re:Iron in blood attracts mosquitos.

[shadowrat]

Here's an interesting thought in regards to mosquitoes. The only ones that bite are the females when they're going to lay eggs, since they need tho protein for the eggs. So when one bites you, and then goes off to lay eggs, the new mosquitoes that originate are created from *your protein* Like was created from your blood! It's like you have little yous flying around :)

And my blood is made out of mosquitoes that i have eaten while riding my bike! My whole existence is like a man-mosquito ouroboros!

Laser defense

[RoccamOccam]

I really want to build a laser mosquito zapper (like this one: http://spectrum.ieee.org/consumer-electronics/gadgets/backyard-star-wars). However, this looks pretty pricey (multiple cameras and galvanometers).

Re:Sweet Red Juice

[Lord Lemur]

Shut up Meg,

-Peter Griffin

Re:Sweet Red Juice

[Joce640k]

Then the FA is wrong.

Did you bother reading it before posting that?

TFA also mentions other things, like smelling of cheese or having stinky feet. If you really are group A+ then I guess it's one of those two. Maybe you could work on your personal hygiene...