When mosquitoes suck our blood, they target our feet and legs. And what is the reason for this preference? In fact, the answer lies in the odors our bodies emit and the way mosquitoes perceive these odors. Different parts of our body emit different odors due to the diversity of microorganisms living there. Our feet, in particular, are full of distinctive odors caused by bacterial activity. Sensors in the antennae of mosquitoes are able to distinguish these odors and identify the best places to bite us.
The Reasons Behind Mosquitoes’ Biting Preferences
Mosquitoes that sense carbon dioxide levels and move away from our face prefer this area because they face less defense on our feet. The combination of warmth and odor on our feet makes them a target. Over time, mosquitoes learn which of our body parts pose the least danger and optimize their feeding strategies by choosing the places where they encounter the least resistance.
New Methods to Fight Mosquitoes
This knowledge can also help us develop new ways to fight mosquitoes. For example, we can prevent mosquito bites by protecting our feet more or masking odors.
Source: PNAS