Beer and Bed Sharing Make You More Attractive to Mosquitoes, Study Finds
Researchers at the 2023 Lowlands Festival in the Netherlands have uncovered surprising factors that make people more attractive to mosquitoes. The Mosquito Magnet Trial, involving 465 participants, found that certain behaviors, such as drinking beer and sharing beds, increase the likelihood of bites, while showering and applying sunscreen can significantly reduce it.
The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, revealed that people who had consumed at least one beer in the 12 hours prior to the test were 1.35 times more attractive to mosquitoes than those who hadn't. Similarly, those who had shared a bed with someone else the night before were more attractive to mosquitoes, regardless of how recently they had showered, with a 1.34 times greater attraction rate. Conversely, participants who had recently showered and applied sunscreen were far less tasty to mosquitoes, with a significant reduction in attraction.
The team also discovered that people with more Streptococcus bacteria on their skin were modestly more attractive to mosquitoes. The study suggests that to minimize mosquito bites, people should shower regularly, apply sunscreen, skip beer, sleep solo, and avoid cannabis.
The Mosquito Magnet Trial provides valuable insights into mosquito behavior and offers practical advice for festivalgoers and anyone looking to reduce their chances of being bitten. By understanding and avoiding the behaviors that make us more attractive to mosquitoes, we can make our outdoor experiences more enjoyable.
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