According to a study by National Geographic, drinking beer may make you more appealing-but not to your friends, but rather to mosquitoes.
Yes, you heard that right. The research indicated that beer consumers might become the ultimate victims of those tiny irritants. Scientists discovered that certain chemicals, such as phenolic aldehydes and ketones, are similar to chemical cues emitted by mosquitoes in search of heat and carbon dioxide. This is where chemical confusion takes you; that’s why more mosquitoes are hovering around you after you’ve just had a beer.
Scientists are unsure why mosquitoes find beer drinkers irresistible, but they have a few theories. The first is that drinking beer may alter your body odor. As the body processes alcohol, particularly in a specific manner, it may make one very appealing to mosquitoes. Another possible explanation is that beer enhances CO2 output; mosquitoes are in love with CO2 because they can track their prey through it. And finally, beer drinking will increase your body temperature, thus making you a warmer and more inviting target for those tiny biters.
This is not just a quirky fact but contains some serious public health implications, especially in parts of the world where mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and Zika were always prevalent. With the general rise in alcohol consumption globally, the linkages of this substance with mosquito attraction have become fairly relevant. Yes, that cold beer may be refreshing, but it could very well put you at a greater risk of mosquito bites-and by extension, for all diseases related to mosquitoes.
It is also worth noting that mosquitoes don’t just like beer. The type of clothes you wear, perfumes, and even color can affect your biting. Dark colors attract more compared to lighter shades. Moreover, fragrances emanating from certain lotions and perfumes, which are randomly applied on the body, can make you distinctly noticeable as a snack to these insects.
Another important aspect is timing. Mosquitoes are most active at the coolest times, near dawn and dusk, so your evening barbeques or early morning hikes may be right in their path. Mosquitoes usually infest the summer season when the temperature gets hot, so precautions are vital if one plans to enjoy a beer outdoors during such periods.
Various species of mosquitoes are most active at different times of the day, so always avoid heat from direct sunlight. During the cool hours of the day or in areas with shade and dampness, mosquitoes hunt for their next meal, so you must stay vigilant.
However, if beer on the menu is part of any outdoor event in store for you, then there are several ways to protect yourself from acquiring the mosquito magnet status. Wearing light-colored attire, using mosquito repellent, and avoiding areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed will also decrease your exposure to bites. Also, don’t forget about the basics: mosquito nets, bug sprays, and, whenever possible, clothing with at least long sleeves can do a great deal.
Before you bask in a mosquito-free gathering, here’s some fun mosquito trivia to remember or bring up: Mosquitoes are considered Earth’s deadliest animals. They transmit diseases like malaria and dengue fever that annually claim millions of lives.
Only female mosquitoes bite humans because they use blood protein to develop their eggs. And, if you have ever wondered about that annoying buzzing sound, it’s the result of their wings beating 300 to 600 times per second. They need the protein from the blood to produce their eggs. And if you’ve ever wondered what makes that annoying buzzing sound, it’s the result of their wings beating 300 to 600 times per second!
