Mosquito magnets
When I was a kid, my family spent most of our summer at a cabin in the northern part of our state. Inevitably, one of my sisters and I would be covered in mosquito bites, while the rest of the family escaped that itchy fate. My mom used to say that my sister and I had "sweet blood." Turns out, she wasn't too far off base. Among other factors, tiny little blood-suckers such as mosquitoes are drawn to the carbon dioxide and lactic acid we excrete. While we all release carbon dioxide and lactic acid larger people and pregnant women have higher amounts. You're also likely to have a higher level of lactic acid in your sweat just after exercising. High body temperature is also a beacon to mosquitoes. Floral scents (perfumes, etc.) may also be a draw as well as dark colored fabrics.
Kelly at Green Daily has some earth-friendly tips for fending off mosquitoes.
.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
Cooking for one: Healthy advice for solo suppers_thumbnail.jpg)
Men vs. Women: The truth about our bodies
What to do when a craving hits
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-05-2008 @ 7:17AM
marcie0305 said...
Eh, I'm not a "big" person - I'm not sure that matters. I am also a mosquito magnet but things seem to be better since I had a baby, which makes me think some kind of hormonal change may be at play. Wait! Maybe it's because I've been eating so much more healthfully since becoming pregnant. That always seems to repair so many things :)
~Marcie
http://feedingblackmail.blogspot.com
Reply
7-05-2008 @ 7:21AM
Maggie Vink said...
Well, I think it matters, but there must be other reasons as well. I've been a mosquito magnet since I was a skinny young tomboy.