Mosquitoes are the bane of outdoor enthusiasts, summer picnics, and balmy evenings. While these tiny insects may seem inconspicuous, some individuals find themselves relentlessly pursued and bitten, often wondering why some people get eaten alive by mosquitoes. The answer lies in factors ranging from genetics and personal chemistry to lifestyle choices. This article delves into this phenomenon’s reasons and explores holistic remedies and prevention methods.
Understanding the Mosquito’s Attraction:
Mosquitoes are attracted to us through a multi-sensory process involving scent, body heat, and even the carbon dioxide we exhale. Research suggests that certain factors make some people more enticing to mosquitoes than others.
- Individuals who are deficient in B1, B12, and Magnesium may experience more mosquitoes biting them. Oddly, these are similar to the nutrient deficiency most undiagnosed celiac and gluten-sensitivity patients present with—iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, zinc, and all B vitamins, including B12. Plus, gluten breaks down to sugar, affecting our insulin levels, the second issue for more mosquito bites.
- A diet high in sugars and starches produces a particular scent or odor in your sweat that attracts more mosquitoes, another essential reason to keep your sugar intake in check. We recommend keeping your daily sugars under 40g for adults and 25g for children—the best thing for your health AND to keep mosquitoes away.
- Blood Type: One factor that influences mosquito attraction is blood type. In the south, mosquitoes prefer AB blood types due to the marsh mosquito. In contrast, other parts of the world that are not hot and marshy prefer O blood type.
- Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide from a significant distance, so breathing heavily while walking outside may make you a better target! That kinda makes me giggle. Don’t breathe while you are out, and you’ll be fine. 😉
- Bacteria. The bacteria on your skin change your body odor, drawing mosquitoes toward you. People with a lower diversity but higher abundance of bacteria on their skin were more bitten by mosquitoes. I wonder if those that use lots of hand sanitizer fall into this category.
Natural Yard Solutions:
To prevent mosquito breeding in your surroundings, eliminate standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Natural solutions like citronella beeswax candles or natural torches in outdoor areas can also help keep mosquitoes at bay.
These plants are fantastic to line your backyard with, as they naturally repel mosquitoes.
- Lavender
- Marigold
- Citronella grass (lemon grass)
- Catmint
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Mint
- Sage
- Allium
Holistic Remedies and Prevention:
While it might be challenging to avoid mosquito bites altogether, holistic remedies and prevention methods can help reduce your chances of being “eaten alive” by these pesky insects.
- Natural Repellents: Essential oils like Purification (this one was a game changer for me – I take it everywhere and apply just before going out. It also eliminates the itch fast if I do get bit), citronella, and lavender have natural mosquito-repelling properties. Mixing these oils with witch hazel and applying them to your clothes and skin can provide some protection. If you are not a DIY person, try these Insect Repellant wipes!
- Avoid Perfumed Products: Mosquitoes are drawn to strong scents, including perfumes, scented lotions, and fragranced soaps. Opt for unscented personal care products when spending time outdoors.
- Herbal Solutions: Herbal remedies like neem oil, basil, and mint can be used to create natural sprays or lotions that act as mosquito repellents. These remedies are not only effective but also eco-friendly.
- Limit Outdoor Dusk/Dawn Activity: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Limit your outdoor activities during these times to reduce your exposure.
- Please Don’t Use Chemicals: Bifenthrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin—commonly found in mosquito sprays—can kill bees on contact. Mosquito Joe, Mosquito Squad, Mosquito Authority, and many others use pyrethroids and pyrethrins in their standard treatment options. These sprays also kill other insects they come in contact with, including bees, butterflies, caterpillars, ladybugs, dragonflies, and other beneficial insects, along with mosquitoes.
While some people attract mosquitoes more than others, it’s important to remember that a combination of factors contributes to this phenomenon. Holistic remedies and prevention methods offer a more natural and sustainable approach to managing mosquito bites. By understanding the factors that make you more attractive to mosquitoes and implementing these holistic strategies, you can enjoy the great outdoors without being “eaten alive” by these buzzing nuisances.
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