Scientists haven't narrowed down exactly why some people are more appetizing than others, but they have a few ideas. Click through the gallery for some hints on becoming less delicious.
Scientists haven't narrowed down exactly why some people are more appetizing than others, but they have a few ideas. Click through the gallery for some hints on becoming less delicious.
DPA/LANDOV
Mosquitoes are attracted to an abundance of chemical compounds in your body, including carbon dioxide, according to Dr. Lyle Petersen, director of the division of vector-borne infectious diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Protection. We're not usually ones to advocate inactivity, but mosquitoes are also attracted to sweat and heat, Petersen says. More specifically, they're attracted to the lactic acid in your sweat. Do your workout indoors to avoid getting infected by something other than runner's high.
Cool off —
Mosquitoes are attracted to an abundance of chemical compounds in your body, including carbon dioxide, according to Dr. Lyle Petersen, director of the division of vector-borne infectious diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Protection. We're not usually ones to advocate inactivity, but mosquitoes are also attracted to sweat and heat, Petersen says. More specifically, they're attracted to the lactic acid in your sweat. Do your workout indoors to avoid getting infected by something other than runner's high.
CNN
Contrary to popular belief, consuming garlic, vitamin B12 or bananas has no impact on mosquito biting, <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mosquito.org%2Ffaq" target="_blank" target="_blank">according to the American Mosquito Control Association</a>. That said, one study did show the pungent Limburger cheese to be attractive to these gourmet bugs.
Skip the stinky cheese —
Contrary to popular belief, consuming garlic, vitamin B12 or bananas has no impact on mosquito biting, according to the American Mosquito Control Association. That said, one study did show the pungent Limburger cheese to be attractive to these gourmet bugs.
Thinkstock
Mosquitoes aren't strong flyers, the <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mosquito.org%2Ffaq" target="_blank" target="_blank">American Mosquito Control Association</a> says, so having a fan on when you're relaxing on your deck or patio could prevent them from landing on their target... a.k.a. you.
Keep the air moving —
Mosquitoes aren't strong flyers, the American Mosquito Control Association says, so having a fan on when you're relaxing on your deck or patio could prevent them from landing on their target... a.k.a. you.
shutterstock
Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, called culex mosquitoes, are most active at dusk and dawn, Petersen says. But other types of mosquitoes are active all day long, so your best bet is to stay inside.
Stay indoors —
Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, called culex mosquitoes, are most active at dusk and dawn, Petersen says. But other types of mosquitoes are active all day long, so your best bet is to stay inside.
Christine Hoyer/NPS
People who drink beer are more attractive to malaria mosquitoes, <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plosone.org%2Farticle%2Finfo%3Adoi%252F10.1371%252Fjournal.pone.0009546%23s2" target="_blank" target="_blank">a 2011 study found</a>. While scientists don't know if that applies to other insects (or other types of alcohol), steering clear of the beer could help.
Avoid alcohol —
People who drink beer are more attractive to malaria mosquitoes, a 2011 study found. While scientists don't know if that applies to other insects (or other types of alcohol), steering clear of the beer could help.
Nathan Berrong/CNN
Just kidding. But <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fpmc%2Farticles%2FPMC1127358%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">a 2000 study </a>did find that pregnant women are twice as attractive to mosquitoes as nonpregnant women because they emit more carbon dioxide and have a higher average body temperature. So if there's already a baby on board, cover up and use bug spray.
Use protection —
Just kidding. But a 2000 study did find that pregnant women are twice as attractive to mosquitoes as nonpregnant women because they emit more carbon dioxide and have a higher average body temperature. So if there's already a baby on board, cover up and use bug spray.
Photo Illustration/Thinkstock
Why we taste so good

Story highlights

Four chemicals provide protection from biting bugs: Picaridin, IR3535, PMD, DEET

Despite negative reputation, DEET was found to be most effective and least toxic

Insect-borne illnesses are on the rise in the United States, experts say

Covering up with clothing and draining standing water will also help prevent bites

CNN  — 

Welcome to bug season, when mosquitoes, ticks and other creepy crawlers make even the bravest mom or dad hesitant to let the kids go outside. Not only are insects annoying, they can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

But what’s the best way to ward off these pests? A new report, released Wednesday by the Environmental Working Group, finds that no one bug repellent works against every insect, but your best bets are those products made with active ingredients registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Scientific tests have shown that four registered chemicals provide a high level of protection from a number of bug bites, according to the EWG report: Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (and its synthetic derivative known as p-Menthane-3,8-diol, or PMD) and DEET.

These chemicals are found in many of the popular products on your drugstore shelves. Despite DEET’s reputation as a harmful substance, the EWG researchers found it to be one of the most effective chemicals against the risks of West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

“We found them all to be safe, especially if people don’t overdose on the product,” said David Andrews, lead author on the study and a researcher with EWG. “And these chemicals do protect people against a lot of rather nasty insects.”

And that’s important because insect-borne illnesses are on the rise. The West Nile virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, infected more than 5,600 Americans last year, and 286 people died from the virus, according to the CDC. A report this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association noted that the virus, which had been declining over the past few years, spiked in 2012, especially in Texas.

By analyzing the epidemic in Dallas County, Texas, researchers found serious West Nile outbreaks begin early, after unusually warm winters. They also seem to be concentrated in one area every year. The virus migrates around the country, so health officials say it’s very important to be aware if your area is being affected.

Same goes for Lyme disease. Incidences of the tick-borne illness have more than doubled over the last 15 years, according to the CDC. Although the disease is transferred to humans through the bite of a deer tick, that tick is only found in 13 Northeastern states from Virginia to Maine, and in the upper Midwest, mostly in Wisconsin and Minnesota. If you live in those states, it’s best to take precautions.

“You need to know the insects that exist where you live and what works best against them,” Andrews said. “No need to spray repellents for, let’s say, ticks, if they’re not prevalent in your area.”

Although these four chemical repellents are effective, they need to be used correctly, the EWG warns. Consumers must follow the basic instructions to make sure that they don’t overexpose their skin. For instance DEET, when used correctly, is an excellent repellent, but overuse has been found to cause neurological problems in some people.

Health experts suggest sticking with a 30% concentration, a number that can be found on the repellent’s label. Researchers say anything more concentrated isn’t necessary unless you are working outside for a long period of time.

“The concentration level doesn’t mean how much it protects,” Andrews said. “It means how long it protects. So if you are out for a few hours, 30% is just fine.”

The EWG also notes that repellents should be a last resort when warding off insects. The organization recommends covering up with clothing, like long pants and long sleeves, socks and shoes. And be aware of the environment around you. Draining standing water – where mosquitoes breed – from your yard will keep populations low.

“We realize during the summer people aren’t going to be wearing heavy clothing, or worrying about bugs as they enjoy the outdoors, ” Andrews said. “So that’s why we made this list. These products are out there, they are safe, and people should be using them to protect themselves.”

Picaridin

Developed by Bayer AG in the 1980s, Picaridin is not known to irritate skin and eyes and does not have a bad odor. It may also repel bugs for longer periods of time than other chemicals.

Products that have Picaridin: Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard; Cutter; OFF! Active; OFF! FamilyCare; Walgreens Light and Clean

IR3535

IR3535 has been used in Europe for years. It can be irritating to the eyes but poses few other safety risks. Merck, the manufacturer, recommends formulas with 10% to 30% concentration to repel biting insects and ticks.

Products that have IR3535: Coleman Skin Smart

DEET

Approved for public use since 1957, DEET is the most common mosquito and tick repellent.

Products that have DEET: Bug Off; Buzz Off; OFF! Active; OFF! FamilyCare; OFF! Deep Woods; Repel; Ultrathon

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is the trade name for a repellent that originated as an extract of the eucalyptus tree, which is native to Australia. Because the dangers to children have not been thoroughly investigated, products with oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD have warning labels that say, “Don’t use on children under the age of 3.”

Most oil of lemon eucalyptus products are sold under the name Repel or Cutter.