If you find yourself constantly being bitten by mosquitoes, even though everyone around you seems unaffected, it’s not just your imagination. Mosquito coils are real.
But while there is scientific evidence to suggest that mosquitoes are naturally attracted to some people more than others, does the same apply to ticks?
Ticks behave a little differently than mosquitoes; instead of directly searching for a host, they wait for a potential host to walk up to them.
Thankfully, there are some simple ways to prevent both mosquito and tick bites. Here’s what you need to know about how mosquitoes and ticks work so you can have a pest-free summer.
Why are mosquitoes attracted to some people more than others?
According to Dr. Tom Mascari, an entomologist at the S.C. Johnson Insect Science Center, mosquitoes use a variety of cues to find humans and other mammals to bite, including carbon dioxide, body heat, sweat, and skin odor.
Research has shown that mosquitoes often exhibit consistent preferences for some people over others, and to a considerable extent. The reason for these differences is thought to be due to genetics and differences in the bacteria that live on people’s skin.
More specifically, one study found that people whose skin produces more carboxylic acids (natural compounds in sebum that cause body odor) are much more attractive to mosquitoes than others.
Other studies have linked increased mosquito attraction to factors such as type O blood, alcohol intake, and pregnancy.
After all, “there isn’t necessarily one exact reason why a person is ‘attracted to mosquitoes,'” Mascari says.
Does Dani have a favorite too?
Although there is evidence that mosquitoes prefer some people to others, The same is not necessarily true for ticks. It mainly has to do with how mosquitoes find their hosts. While mosquitoes search for you, ticks wait for you to cross in front of them.
“Since ticks cannot fly or hop, they typically wait on the tips of grass or vegetation, detecting nearby hosts through cues such as breath, odor, heat, moisture, movement, and even shadows,” Mascari says. For this reason, he explains, exposure to the tick’s habitat is a bigger factor than an individual’s body chemistry.
Ticks breed in dark, cool environments with vegetation and tall grass. They often congregate on trails frequented by deer, mice, and humans, where they can easily find hosts to prey on.
“When people or animals brush through vegetation, the ticks grab hold and look for food,” says Dr. Jim Fredericks, a certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
How to avoid mosquitoes and ticks
There are some simple precautions you can take when you go out to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and ticks.
- Hide exposed skin: “Prevent bites by covering exposed skin with long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and open-toed shoes. Tuck pants into socks to make it harder for ticks to reach your skin,” Fredericks says.
- Use repellents. Choose an EPA-registered product with active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus to repel both mosquitoes and ticks.
- Avoid their habitat. To reduce your risk of mosquito and tick bites, avoid areas with standing water, tall grass, dense vegetation, or fallen leaves unless you are covering yourself or using repellent.
- Check for ticks. Once you’re back indoors, check yourself and your pets for ticks. Fredericks says to pay close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms and hips, behind the knees and between the legs, as these are favorite places for ticks to live.
How to make your garden less attractive to mosquitoes and ticks
If you want to enjoy your garden this summer without getting bitten by mosquitoes and ticks, Fredericks and Mascari suggest taking some basic steps to make your lawn less susceptible to these pests.
- Eliminate standing water and excess moisture around your garden where mosquitoes breed.
- Mow the lawn and trim the vegetation regularly
- Remove fallen leaves and debris where ticks can hide
- Create a buffer zone of gravel or wood chips between your lawn and woodland.
- Keep firewood off the ground and at least 20 feet away from your home. This is because they can attract rodents that carry ticks.
- If the problem persists, contact a pest specialist
Bottom line: Are tick magnets real?
It’s not imagination. There is evidence that mosquitoes are attracted to some people more than others. However, ticks behave differently. Ticks typically wait on grass or other vegetation until a person or animal passes by.
You can reduce your chances of getting stung by covering up when you go out and using repellents designed for both. You can also take steps to make your garden less attractive to ticks and mosquitoes, such as mowing the lawn regularly and removing standing water.
FAQ
How do you know if you are likely to attract mosquitoes?
Although it’s not a technical term, a “mosquito coil” refers to someone who is more attracted to mosquitoes than other people. When you’re outdoors, you may notice that mosquitoes fly around you more than others and bite you more often.
Are ticks attracted to certain people?
Usually not. Ticks typically congregate on trails frequented by potential hosts, such as humans or deer, and climb as they pass. They do not actively seek out hosts like mosquitoes.
Are mosquitoes attracted to certain blood types?
Some studies have shown that mosquitoes specifically prefer type O blood over type A blood. Bacteria on your skin and other genetic factors can also affect your attractiveness to mosquitoes.
How do I know if I’ve been bitten by a tick?
Tick bites are often painless, but bites may cause small red bumps, inflammation, and mild itching and swelling. Check your entire body after spending time outdoors. It is not uncommon to find mites still attached to the skin.
