While mosquitoes are attracted to anyone who has higher concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on the surface of their skin, is pregnant, or who omits higher concentrations of carbon dioxide than others – they are even more attracted to the lactic acid on our skin produced by sweat glands. Certain foods will cause us to produce higher concentrations of lactic acid, thus attracting more mosquitoes!
5 Foods to Avoid
There are several foods (and types of foods) that cause us to produce higher concentrations of lactic acid and other chemicals that attract mosquitoes:
- Alcohol – Beer and wine, along with mixed drinks all serve to make us very attractive to pests.
- Potassium rich foods such as bananas, potatoes and avocados. Take it easy on the guacamole!
- High sugar foods, including drinks and ice cream.
- Anything pickled will increase the lactic acid in our sweat glands.
- Dairy – this includes milk, ice cream and cheeses.
Foods to Repel Mosquitoes
If you are going to be camping or spending a great deal of time outdoors, avoid these foods and instead try to eat more garlic and onions. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water each day, beginning a few days prior to being outdoors may also help repel insects.
Summer is the time most of us try to spend as much time as possible out in the great outdoors. Nothing can make a day trip or camping trip more uncomfortable than being eaten alive by mosquitoes and other insects. By limiting foods that make us tasty to these pests and using an effective insect repellent, we can stay outdoors right into the evening – bite free!
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