Useful Information

Every now and again scientists do explore important questions, the answers to which have value in everyday life. Some of that research is covered by Professor Jonathan Day of the University of Florida at Vero Beach, when he explains why some people get bitten by mosquitoes more often than some others.

Mosquitoes seem to be better able to see certain colors than others, and their vision is also drawn by movement. Some combinations of chemicals our bodies normally emit will also get their attention. And, it seems, there are different things that attract different mosquitoes. Some are drawn by sweat, which means they will go for the feet and ankles because our feet sweat in our shoes. Chemicals given off when we exercise and those common to pregnant women, as well as higher concentrations of carbon dioxide exhaled by larger people or people with higher metabolisms interest the little bloodsuckers too.

So the wise advice during mosquito season is to not stand next to a tall, fidgety pregnant woman who's been exercising while wearing dark blue or red. That may not be a bad idea at other times, too, come to think of it.

If that's what it takes, I don't think the S.C. Johnson people are going out of business any time soon.