Why Some Maltese are Mosquito Buffets: Unraveling the Mystery

It’s a warm summer evening in Msida, and the sun is beginning to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. You’re enjoying a drink at one of the bustling bars along Triq it-Trunciera, but suddenly, you notice something peculiar. While your friends are barely bothered, you’re being eaten alive by mosquitoes. Why is it that some of us seem to be mosquito magnets, while others remain blissfully bite-free?

What Makes Us Tasty?

Mosquitoes are attracted to a combination of factors, including body heat, carbon dioxide, sweat, and certain chemicals in our skin and blood. But why do some people seem to emit more of these signals than others? Scientists have been trying to unravel this mystery for years.

One study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that mosquitoes are particularly attracted to people with Type O blood. This is because the bacteria in our skin, which mosquitoes can smell, feed on the sugars in our blood, and Type O blood has more of these sugars than other blood types.

But blood type isn’t the only factor. A study conducted in the Philippines found that people with a specific gene variant, known as OCTRN1, were more attractive to mosquitoes. This gene is involved in the production of certain chemicals in our skin that mosquitoes find irresistible.

Malta’s Mosquito scene

Malta, with its Mediterranean climate and abundance of standing water, is a haven for mosquitoes, particularly during the summer months. According to the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate, the most common mosquito species in Malta are the Culex pipiens and the Anopheles maculipennis, both of which can transmit diseases like West Nile virus and malaria.

But not all mosquitoes are created equal. Some species are more attracted to certain people than others. For instance, the Culex pipiens is particularly attracted to people who produce more lactic acid in their sweat, while the Anopheles maculipennis is more attracted to people with higher body temperatures.

How to Outsmart the Mosquitoes

So, what can you do if you’re a mosquito magnet? Unfortunately, there’s no magic solution to make mosquitoes ignore you completely. However, there are several strategies you can use to reduce your attractiveness:

• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
• Avoid going out at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Eliminate standing water around your home, as this can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Consider using mosquito nets or screens on your windows and doors.

If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, especially in areas known to have high mosquito populations, it’s a good idea to take these precautions. Remember, while mosquitoes may be a nuisance, they can also transmit serious diseases, so it’s important to take their presence seriously.

So, the next time you’re out enjoying a summer evening in Malta and you notice that you’re being bitten more than your friends, remember that it’s not just bad luck – it might be your unique chemical cocktail that’s drawing the mosquitoes in. But don’t worry, with the right precautions, you can still enjoy the warm Maltese nights without becoming a mosquito buffet.