Human blood is not a staple diet for any mosquito species. You heard it correctly. But still over seven lakhs of people die every year from the diseases transmitted through mosquito bites. It is the single largest cause of human death! Let us make a couple of facts right.

Preferred diets of mosquitos

• Floral nectars – the sugar-rich liquid present in flowers
• Honeydew – liquid secreted by aphids (itsy-bitsy insects); rich in sugar
• Plant juice or sap

These are the primary source of energy for mosquitos, female or male. However, female mosquitos need extra nutrient for producing healthy eggs–mostly protein and iron. And animal blood is rich in these. That’s the reason, female mosquitos feed on blood, including that of human.

It is the females who are physiologically capable of piercing human skins and sucking blood with their specialised mouthparts. Male mosquitos do not possess such mouthparts.

How do female mosquitos detect human body?   

Mated female mosquitos use heat, visual and chemical sensors for detecting their preys, be it human or other animals. We exhale carbon-di-oxide (CO2), and mosquitos pick the smell in hunting us down. It is the primary guidance mechanism. There are few other organic compounds we emit through body odour which betray our presence. Along with these chemicals, visual cues and our own heat signature help mosquitos hunting us down.

Are you a mosquito magnet?

Mosquitos prefer some human bodies than others. It may sound crazy, but it is scientifically accurate.  Like any hunters mosquitos also have preferences and for obvious reasons. The following factors attract these nuisance-makers.

• Heavy breathing
• Excessive body heat
• Skin bacteria
• Pregnant women
• O-type blood groups (that does not mean other blood types are safe)

How can you safely escape mosquito bites?

Mosquitos are everywhere, even in frozen environments of polar regions. Unless you are confined to a completely controlled environment, escaping mosquitos is difficult anywhere in the world. Scientists are still fighting the battle against mosquitos. They are trying multiple techniques, from developing genetically modified sterile male mosquitos to using nets for keeping mosquitos at bay.

During daytime or at night, repellents are the best options to avoid mosquito bites. They are easy to apply and remain effective for hours, depending on the variety. However, there are health safety issues related to specific types of chemical repellent compounds. World Health Organization (WHO) regularly publish safety guidelines regarding mosquito and insect repellents. A WHO-approved chemical repellent insecticide is PRALLETHRIN. Southern Labs’ QuitMozz brand is PRALLETHRIN-based liquid vaporiser repellent. It protects your from mosquito bites and fills the ambience with natural fragrances.

Herbal remedies

Compared to chemicals, herbal mosquito repellents and insecticides, like, Lemongrass oil, neem oil and eucalyptus oil, are safe and effective. Southern Labs in-house R&D team uses these herbal compounds for formulating QuitFast branded ZERO-chemical natural mosquito repellent vaporiser, cream and incense sticks. These products are practical, modern, innovative and, at the same time, based on Indian System of Medicines. Bring them home and see the difference yourself.