Community Corner
How Mosquitoes Choose Their Next Meal
Mosquitoes are more attracted to people with certain blood types among other factors, the Smithsonian reports.
Written by Morgan Delack
Mosquito season is upon us. Anyone who has been out for a hike in the redwoods or on a camping trip is painfully aware of this biting summer reality.
It seems the pesky bugs swarm the moment a warm body walks outside. But the Smithsonian reports mosquitoes actually have a preference when choosing their next meal.
According to a Smithsonian post, there is a hierarchy when it comes to who’s blood to suck.
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Grab some bug spray and invest in citronella candles if you fit into any of these categories:
- Type O blood
- Wearing colors that stand out
- High amounts of bacteria on the skin
- Pregnant
According to the article, mosquitoes are more than twice as attracted to those with Type O blood than Type A. Adults get bitten more than children because they exhale more carbon dioxide over time, another attractive force for the bugs.
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In Santa Cruz County, the Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control Division regularly applies mosquito control granules by helicopter to ponds, lakes and marshes in South County to reduce the number of mosquitos in the area. The agency has other tips on how to control mosquitos at homes on its website.
Do you have any tricks to keeping mosquitoes at bay? Share them in the comments section.
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