Why Are Some People Bitten by Mosquitoes More Often? A Look at Russias Unique Mosquito Festival

The issue of being bitten by mosquitoes often raises everyday questions about why individuals attract mosquitoes differently. Scientific studies have found that biological and behavioral factors directly influence mosquitoes' prey selection.

Why do some people get "mosquito bites" more often than others?

• Blood group factors Statistical research shows that individuals with blood group O and blood group B tend to be bitten by mosquitoes more frequently, while those with blood group A are bitten less often, and blood group AB has the lowest biting rates (though exceptions occur due to individual environmental factors).
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission People with high metabolic rates or who have just exercised emit more carbon dioxide through their breath, which mosquitoes use to track their targets.
• Body temperature and scent Those with higher body temperatures, as well as specific sweat odors, skin bacteria scents, or certain perfumes, attract more mosquitoes than usual.

Which types of mosquitoes bite humans?

Entomological facts state that only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals because females need proteins and iron from blood for egg production and reproduction. Their mouthparts are strong and sharp enough to pierce skin, unlike males whose softer mouthparts cannot pierce human skin. Male mosquitoes survive by feeding solely on flower nectar.

Interestingly, paleontological studies have found fossils of male mosquitoes over 130 million years old from the dinosaur era. These ancient males had sharp, toothed mouthparts, leading scientists to hypothesize that male mosquitoes may once have fed on blood before evolving to their current behavior.

Can you smash mosquitoes or use fingernails to make a cross shape to relieve itching?

From a public health perspective, mosquitoes are vectors of serious diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya. Male mosquitoes live only 7-10 days on average, while females live nearly a month. Preventing and controlling mosquitoes at home is crucial for hygiene.

A popular response to mosquito bites is to use fingernails to make a cross or square mark on the itchy bump. Medical science explains this works temporarily because scratching causes pain signals to reach the brain faster and more intensely than itch signals, distracting the brain and reducing the sensation of itching briefly.

Strangely true! Introducing Russia's “Mosquito Festival” and its highlight contest for the most bitten person.

Around the world, many strange stories and rituals amaze people. One real mysterious event is the “mosquito season” phenomenon in Russia, where vast swarms of mosquitoes gather in cold-region countries during summer. To the naked eye, these dense mosquito clouds resemble tornadoes of tiny insects covering large areas.

Scientists explain this phenomenon results from summer weather conditions ideal for mating. Male mosquitoes swarm around females in dense clusters. In years with especially hot weather, mosquito populations surge rapidly. Locals have turned this natural challenge into an annual celebration called the “Mosquito Festival,” featuring singing, dancing, and dressing up as mosquitoes.

The festival's most popular event is a contest called “Tastiest girl,” which seeks the girl with the most mosquito bite marks on her legs. Winners receive a ceramic mosquito figurine as a souvenir. Records show a nine-year-old girl once won after gathering berries in the forest with as many as 43 bites. .

Follow the full story on the new show “History อิหยังวะ,” which features strange tales, legends, and historical facts you may not have known actually happened, hosted by the sibling duo Vi and Chanu every other Tuesday at 7:00 pm on YouTube: Thairath Studio