Mosquitoes more attracted to beer drinkers: study
Or at least apply some bug repellent before you head out.
A study, conducted by scientists at the IRD Research Centre in France, shows that insects are 15 per cent more likely to fly toward humans after they have consumed a pint.
The researchers write in Plos One that one possible explanation is, "Mosquitoes may have evolved preferences for people who recently consumed beer - possibly due to reduced host defensive behaviours or highly-nutritious blood-meals."
The team used 25 males from West Africa and had them drink a local brew called Dolo. Mosquitoes were then released into the air and had the option of flying toward open air or the odour of the participant. Before participants drank the beer, only 50 per cent of mosquitoes flew toward the participant's odour. After a beer, the number rose to 65 per cent.
Researchers also tried the same experiment with water finding that it was six per cent less likely for mosquitoes to fly toward the participants odour after consuming a glass.
They are hoping to use the findings to decrease cases of malaria, a disease that kills 780,000 people worldwide every year.
While malaria may not be a big problem in Canada or the US, we are visited by West Nile Disease. It is still a good idea to lather on the bug screen when at the cottage enjoying beer.
A study, conducted by scientists at the IRD Research Centre in France, shows that insects are 15 per cent more likely to fly toward humans after they have consumed a pint.
The researchers write in Plos One that one possible explanation is, "Mosquitoes may have evolved preferences for people who recently consumed beer - possibly due to reduced host defensive behaviours or highly-nutritious blood-meals."
The team used 25 males from West Africa and had them drink a local brew called Dolo. Mosquitoes were then released into the air and had the option of flying toward open air or the odour of the participant. Before participants drank the beer, only 50 per cent of mosquitoes flew toward the participant's odour. After a beer, the number rose to 65 per cent.
Researchers also tried the same experiment with water finding that it was six per cent less likely for mosquitoes to fly toward the participants odour after consuming a glass.
They are hoping to use the findings to decrease cases of malaria, a disease that kills 780,000 people worldwide every year.
While malaria may not be a big problem in Canada or the US, we are visited by West Nile Disease. It is still a good idea to lather on the bug screen when at the cottage enjoying beer.
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