Beer is one of the world’s oldest and most popular alcoholic beverages. After water and tea, it is the third most popular drink in the world. It is made by brewing and fermenting carbohydrates primarily from cereal grains—most typically malted barley, though wheat, corn, rice, and oats are also used. However, does beer attract mosquitoes?
Beer consumption makes humans more attractive to malaria mosquitos.
Beer Drinkers Attract Mosquitoes
A study was published in the American Mosquito Control Association in June 2002. Researchers discovered that drinking just 12 ounces of beer makes you more attractive to mosquitoes. This is most likely since consuming beer raises the ethanol concentration of your sweat. Because ethanol is a strong mosquito attractant, mosquitoes will swarm you.
The fact that alcohol raises body temperature is another factor in the relationship between beer and mosquito activity. A mosquito can locate its prey in various ways, including detecting heat. Therefore, the likelihood that a mosquito will see you increases as your body temperature rises.
Numerous mosquito species find beer drinkers particularly attractive. These include the primary Anopheles gambiae and Aedes genus mosquitoes that transmit malaria and dengue. These particular mosquitoes locate their prey primarily by scent. These mosquitoes will favor those who have consumed or are currently consuming beer over those who are drinking water, tea, juice, or any other beverage since the aroma coming from beer drinkers is frequently highly potent. (Source: Insect Cop)
Additional Factors that Can Draw Mosquitoes
Knowing what attracts mosquitoes, in particular, can help you take greater precautions against the blood-sucking insects around your home, on your property, and on you will help you avoid such things. The following are some other things that may draw mosquitoes to you or your house.
Color of Clothing
Mosquitoes are drawn to darker colors, so if you want to avoid becoming a mosquito magnet, try wearing lighter clothing outside.
Colognes, Lotions, and Perfumes
Certain fragrances can make you particularly appealing to mosquitoes. What sorts of fragrances are there? Typically, it is any floral scent. Mosquitoes, after all, aren’t just drawn to blood; they also feast on plant nectar. If you want to wear smells with flowery odors, avoid them if you spend the day outside.
Standing Water
Mosquitoes, like other insects, are drawn to any amount of standing water, where mosquitoes reproduce and lay eggs. This is why people frequently report a considerably higher mosquito presence following rainstorms: rain generates pools of standing water, which attracts a swarm of mosquitoes. These mosquitos then spawn in the new pools of water, resulting in a breeding cycle that can result in long-term mosquito problems. Any standing water, not just enormous pools, can create a mosquito breeding ground, so if you have plant pots, gutters, sandboxes, or even dog bowls outside, empty them after rainfall!
Tall Grass and Vegetation
While mosquitoes emerge in the heat, they, like most other insects and mammals, seek out locations to seek shade. Tall grass and other vegetation can give just that, and locating a site with plenty of shady alternatives will attract swarms of mosquitoes. Keep plants trimmed and grass manicured to avoid making your property a mosquito refuge! Taking the necessary precautions to keep mosquitos away from you and your home will help lessen the likelihood of a mosquito infestation, but it is not guaranteed.
(Source: City Wide Exterminator)