Nutrition Facts with Dr. Greger Make Mosquitos Like You Less
Oct 5, 2023
Discover surprising dietary remedies to keep mosquitos away, including the potential benefits of garlic against tick bites. Learn about strange strategies for repelling mosquitoes, such as using alcohol-soaked cigarettes or placing a cut tomato by the bed. Find out how beer consumption can make individuals more attractive to mosquitoes and the ineffectiveness of B vitamins and vitamin B1 as mosquito repellents.
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Mosquito Attractiveness and Genetics
- Identical twins share similar mosquito attractiveness, suggesting a genetic component.
- This implies some people may inherently smell "better" or "worse" to mosquitoes.
Malaria's Manipulation
- Malaria parasites increase host attractiveness to mosquitoes, facilitating transmission.
- This manipulation mirrors other parasites that alter host behavior for their benefit.
Garlic for Mosquitoes?
- Eating garlic doesn't repel mosquitoes, as shown in a Connecticut study.
- Even applying garlic oil directly doesn't deter mosquitoes within 30 minutes.