Are You a Mosquito Magnet?

Protecting yourself against mosquitoes & West Nile Virus

Why do mosquitoes love to feast on some people, while others escape without a bite on them?

Mosquitoes are attracted to humans through the carbon dioxide they exhale when they breathe. Human carbon dioxide or C02 production varies depending on your metabolic rate: if your metabolism is high you tend to burn more C02 and are more attractive to mosquitoes.

In addition to carbon dioxide, mosquitoes are also attracted to:

Lactic Acid - released after a workout or after eating salty and high-potassium foods.
Estradiol - the most powerful estrogen-based female hormone.
Floral/Fruity Fragrances - perfume, hair product and scented sunscreens, fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
Body Heat - mosquitoes like moist, cool bodies, after rain, perspiration or swimming.
Acetone - a chemical that breaks down body fat, found in the blood and urine of healthy people and in larger amounts in diabetics and people suffering from starvation.
Sweat - perspiration increases the humidity around your body.
Light Clothing - yellow and pastel colors attract mosquitoes from a distance.

Altering your natural body chemistry with natural plant oils or oil-based lotions can be an effective mosquito repellant. However, the following natural mosquito repellants will require reapplication every 30 minutes to an hour and only offer one-tenth of the protection compared to longer-lasting DEET mosquito repellants:

• Citronella
• Eucalyptus
• Lemongrass
• Castor Oil
• Tea Tree Oil
• Cedar Oil
• Peppermint

Covering any exposed skin with DEET mosquito repellant, wearing long pants, shirts and socks and mosquito netting in mosquito-infested areas still remain your best protection against mosquito bites and the spread of the West Nile Virus.