Few things can spoil outdoor fun as quickly as a group of mosquitoes. These pesky bugs not only leave behind itchy bites, but they can also transmit various diseases.
If you tend to attract mosquitoes naturally, it's wise to take steps to reduce your chances of getting bitten. While using insect repellent is essential, the foods you consume could also impact how appealing you are to mosquitoes.
What attracts mosquitoes to you, and most importantly, how can you prevent them from bothering you? Here are suggestions from research and an entomologist.
What lures mosquitoes to humans?
Mosquitoes are attracted to people through scent, which is one of their primary senses for locating food, according to Buckner. The diet of mosquitoes differs by gender. Female adult mosquitoes feed on blood and nectar, whereas male adult mosquitoes solely consume nectar.
What foods should you avoid?
It's essential to address this upfront: although studies on mosquitoes and food exist, they are not conclusive. More research is needed. However, some studies suggest a connection between certain foods and mosquito attraction.
Stinky cheese and mosquitoes
According to Buckner, mosquitoes are drawn to carboxylic acids generated by bacteria on our skin. One such acid is butyric acid, found in cheeses like Limburger, known for their strong aroma.
Sweet foods and mosquitoes
According to Buckner, consuming sweet foods, particularly those with a floral scent, could attract mosquitoes, which might pose a concern while eating. This advice extends to beverages as well; if your preferred drink has a floral aroma or ingredient, it could inadvertently attract mosquitoes.
Bananas and mosquito attraction
There is limited evidence regarding bananas and their attractiveness to mosquitoes. A study examined the appeal of individuals who consumed bananas or grapes to two mosquito species, revealing a preference for the banana group. However, this conclusion is based on a single study that tested only two mosquito types.
There is limited scientific evidence that certain foods can repel mosquitoes. However, if you want to try to increase your chances of preventing mosquito bites, it may be worth including these foods in your diet.
Foods containing garlic and onions are known to contain a compound called allicin. Studies have shown that allicin may reduce the risk of contracting a dangerous infection transmitted by mosquito bites. However, it is still uncertain how much onion one would need to consume in order to achieve this protective effect.
Buckner advises sticking to proven methods like wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents to effectively ward off mosquitoes. For an extra boost, incorporating basil, grapefruit, and garlic into your diet can also be beneficial for keeping pesky insects at bay.