Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Jessica Delgeorge on 08/07/2008 12:41:42

Title: Why have mosquitoes never bitten me?
Post by: Jessica Delgeorge on 08/07/2008 12:41:42

Jessica Delgeorge  asked the Naked Scientists:

I have been searching for information about human immunity to mosquitoes.  I am 25yrs old and I have never been bitten by a mosquito...EVER!

I actually have seen one land and then take off but never actually bitten. Don't get me wrong, I'm not upset by this just curious to know why.

Thank you and warmest,

Jessica

What do you think?

Title: Why have mosquitoes never bitten me?
Post by: blakestyger on 08/07/2008 14:52:26

This not well understood as yet but it is thought that it's the smells that people give of that attract the mozzies and that people who are bitten rarely, or not at all in your case, are also emitting other smells that mask the one the insects like.

It's things like carbon dioxide (in breath) that attracts mozzies as well as body heat, movement, colour etc.

The pharm' industry would dearly like to know what these chemicals were so they could synthesise them and sell them back to us as repellents  [:0]. You may be of interest to them - and maybe get some folding [;D].

It's only the pregnant females that bite to obtain a blood meal - the males are content with nectar [^].