Mosquito Magnet
You may be one of the lucky people that have the magic combination of the right smell in your skin and the insect savior-faire to make you a Mosquito Magnet. Not everyone has this magic combination of skin oils and secret pheromones that draws those female buggers to taste you. Around the world nobody likes to be bit by mosquitoes and they can carry several serious diseases. You will be relieved to know that Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller University and the Department of Defense all have paid for the best mosquito mind readers to try to isolate your insect charm. They started with testing real people in rooms with mosquitos and found some folks, just have it. The human could not detect any differences in the scent of the most attractive people, nor any difference in their skin color or temperature.
Among the biters favorites, the researchers found one common factor: Mosquito magnets had high levels of certain acids on their skin. These “greasy molecules” are part of the skin’s natural moisturizing layer, and people produce them in different amounts. The healthy bacteria that live on the skin eat up these acids and produce part of our skin’s odor profile. Still, figuring out ways to fight off mosquitoes isn’t easy, since the critters have evolved to be “lean, mean biting machines.” By the way, mosquitoes prefer humans to animals for supper. The study proved this point. Researchers also did the experiment with mosquitoes whose genes were edited to damage their sense of smell. The bugs still flocked to the same mosquito magnets. “Mosquitoes are resilient. They have backup plans to be able to find the same most attractive people with or without smell and bite them.”
Scratching an itchy bite can damage the skin and may cause the bite to become infected. Reducing the itching can help to prevent this. Putting a cold cloth over the bite can help soothe the itch. If you are aware that your skin reacts badly to bites, consider purchasing a bite relief cream or antihistamine tablets before you travel. ‘Bite relief’ creams usually contain steroids (such as hydrocortisone 1%) and/or antihistamines and reduce the redness and itch when rubbed onto bites. The itch from bites is reduced by taking a daily antihistamine tablet. Surprisingly, the experts seem to agree the best way to not get bit is to keep the mosquitoes away from you with house hygiene and long sleeves. They also recommend light colors when outside. The commercial repellants work as well as any other secret concoctions. Try DEET containing creams and sprays also Cutter and products that contain oil of eucalyptus. I guess you can’t beat them, but you can confuse them.
Mosquito mirth
During the summer, a local police station developed a mosquito problem.
They deployed the swat team.
There are thousands of different mosquito species.
And they all suck.
I just sprayed a mosquito with mosquito repellent.
Now he’ll never have any friends.
According to scientists, infertility is hereditary.
So, if your parents didn’t have kids, then neither will you.
August 1st Birthdays
1818 – Maria Mitchell, 1973 – Tempest Bledsoe, 1970 – Jennifer Gareis, 1871 – Maria Montessori
1936 – Dom DeLuise, 1942 – Jerry Garcia, 1979 – Jason Momoa, 1931 – Ziggy’s Tom Wilson