Lifestyle and Health Factors
Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic, adds that lifestyle and health factors can influence mosquito attraction. Higher body temperatures from exercising, moving around a lot, or drinking alcohol can make you more appealing to mosquitoes. Pregnancy and being overweight can also increase metabolic rates, thus drawing more mosquitoes.
A study even showed that consuming a single can of beer could make you more attractive to mosquitoes. So, if you’re enjoying a drink outside, especially after a day of yard work, you’re at higher risk of getting bitten.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Fortunately, being more prone to mosquito bites doesn’t mean you’re doomed to suffer. Timing your outdoor activities to avoid peak mosquito activity times, such as dawn and dusk, can significantly reduce your chances of getting bitten. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants made of breathable fabric can also help.
Using a good mosquito repellent is essential. DEET-based sprays are highly effective, offering about 90 minutes of protection with just a 5% concentration. Despite concerns about DEET’s safety, the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2014 review confirmed that DEET products are safe when used as directed.
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While natural repellents like citronella candles are popular, there’s no solid evidence supporting their effectiveness. Instead, use fans to keep air moving, as mosquitoes struggle to fly in windy conditions.
