QuickCheck: Are mosquitoes attracted to people who just ate bananas?

THERE are numerous theories about what specifically attracts mosquitoes. Some suggest that women may be a primary target for these bothersome insects due to their higher oestrogen levels.

Meanwhile, other studies indicate that mosquitoes are more likely to bite men than women, possibly because of differences in body size.

However, it is also shown that mosquitoes may be drawn to people who have a certain type of diet too.

So, is it true that mosquitoes are attracted to people who just ate bananas?

Verdict:

PARTIALLY TRUE

There have not been many studies if consuming bananas make us more or less attractive to mosquitoes but a study from the National Library of Medicine suggests that diet plays a significant role in the interaction between mosquitoes and their hosts.

The outcome of the study suggests that diet of the host can influence how they attract certain mosquito species, but this hypothesis needs further testing.

Additionally, the study notes the occurrence of the "banana effect" in two species of anopheline mosquitoes from Africa and Asia.

However, it is important to highlight that there were no experiments conducted for culicine species or other mosquito species commonly found in North America.

However, the study also suggests that not everyone experienced the "banana effect," and it's impossible to anticipate how any particular individual will respond.

Therefore, it is not advisable to use the research as a foundation for recommending dietary changes.

According to University of Florida professor of medical entomology Jonathan Day, the two most important reasons a mosquito is attracted to you have to do with sight and smell.

He claims that mosquitoes rely heavily on their visual senses. Once they identify a visually appealing target, they then use their sense of smell.

According to him, the primary attractant is the amount of carbon dioxide produced exhaled in each breath.

Day explains that mosquitoes can be attracted to varying concentrations of lactic acid (produced during exercise), acetone (released in breath), and estradiol (a byproduct of estrogen breakdown).

References:

1. https://www.nbcnews.com/healthmain/why-some-people-are-mosquito-magnets-1c6437380

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315685/

3. https://www.tuxedomosquitocontrol.com/blog/post/5-foods-that-attract-mosquitos-to-you

4. https://www.mosquitosquad.com/rhode-island/about-us/blog/tips-prevention/special-diets-for-mosquito-protection-are-banana/