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Science

Why Are Some People Mosquito Magnets? 183

First time accepted submitter CherryLongman writes "If you feel as if every mosquito in a 50-mile radius has you locked in its sights, while your friends are rarely bitten, you could be right. Up to 20 percent of us are highly alluring to mosquitoes — and scientists have discovered some surprising reasons."
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Why Are Some People Mosquito Magnets?

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  • by XxtraLarGe ( 551297 ) on Tuesday July 16, 2013 @10:07AM (#44296379) Journal

    So people here can stop guessing:

    Mosquitos prefer blood type O
    Most people secrete substances that allow mosquitoes to identify blood type before they bite.

    Beer drinkers beware
    Swigging just one bottle of beer can significantly boost your risk of being bitten

    Watch out for the full moon
    The tiny bloodsuckers are 500 times more active when the moon is full

    Keep your socks on
    The pungent aroma of dirty feet is apparently irresistible to mosquitoes

    Mosquitos know if you're expecting
    Moms-to-be get bitten about twice as often as women who aren't pregnant

    Running won't help you
    Both the carbon dioxide we exhale and substances in sweat, such as lactic acid, help mosquitoes home in on their prey.

    Dark-colored clothing can increase your risk of falling victim
    Like vampires, they prefer dark clothes

"Spock, did you see the looks on their faces?" "Yes, Captain, a sort of vacant contentment."

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