Bite Back: Winning the War Against Mosquitoes

Summertime brings along one pesky creature that can dampen the mood: the mosquito. Though mosquitoes in the UK don't carry diseases, their bites can be quite irritating.

Some people seem to be magnets for mosquito bites, while others appear to go unscathed. Mosquitoes rely on their sense of smell to locate human prey, and certain individuals simply smell more appealing to them. Can we change how we smell to avoid these bites? Here are some factors that may influence your attractiveness to mosquitoes:

1. Soap Brand
   Soaps affect our scent, but people using the same soap can still smell differently. Research suggests that for some individuals, using Dove and Simple Truth soaps can make them more alluring to mosquitoes, while Native soap may repel the insects. However, for others, the type of soap has no impact on mosquito attraction. Trying Native soap might be worth a shot, but there are no guarantees.

2. Some Fruits Type
   Swapping bananas for grapes could help you dodge mosquito bites this summer. According to a US study, some people's hand scent becomes more enticing to mosquitoes after eating a banana. Surprisingly, this pattern doesn't hold true for all fruits. Eating grapes, for instance, doesn't affect mosquito attraction.

3. Beer
   A 2010 study found that people became more attractive to mosquitoes after drinking beer, while drinking water had no effect. If you're willing to forgo the pints this summer, it might be beneficial in keeping mosquitoes at bay.

4. Deodorant Use
   A compound in deodorants (isopropyl tetradecanoate) has been shown to repel mosquitoes by preventing them from landing on the deodorant-coated surface, resulting in a 56% reduction in mosquito landings. Wearing deodorant becomes even more essential when exercising, as mosquitoes are more drawn to sweaty individuals.

5. Garlic and Vitamin B
   Garlic and vitamin B supplements are often used as home remedies to repel mosquitoes. However, scientific studies have shown that neither garlic nor vitamin B supplements have any impact on the attractiveness of skin scent to mosquitoes.

6. Deet Repellent
   Deet, a chemical found in many insect repellents, can be applied directly to the skin. Despite its unpleasant odor and slightly oily feel, Deet-containing repellents provide the longest-lasting protection against mosquito bites compared to other repellents.

7. Insecticide-Treated Clothing
   If applying repellent to your skin doesn't appeal to you, consider spraying your clothing with insecticides like permethrin. This method effectively prevents mosquitoes from biting the skin covered by treated clothing and is commonly used by military personnel. As mosquitoes often bite through untreated clothes, this approach is worth considering.

Still getting bitten despite trying these techniques? Your genetics play a role in your scent, which influences how attractive you are to mosquitoes. 

Disclaimer: The image(s) featured in this article are for illustrative purposes only and may not directly depict the specific concepts, situations, or individuals discussed in the content. Their purpose is to enhance the reader's understanding and visual experience. Please do not interpret the images as literal representations of the topics addressed.