Are You a Mosquito Magnet?

Do mosquitoes and fleas attack you while leaving other family members bite-free? Many have long thought blood-feeding insects show a preference to certain individuals, and now there is scientific evidence in support of that theory. According to a recent article in Newsweek Online, each person's body chemistry plays a part in either attracting these pesky bugs or leaving them cold.  Mosquitoes can detect a tasty target from nearly 100 feet away! So what can you do to make yourself less appealing to these unwelcome guests? The article states that scientists have not identified every body chemistry combination that mosquitoes prefer - but indicates they may have a preference for "artificially sweet-scented bodies." They also prefer darker fabrics. So stay away from cloying perfumes, black or blue clothing, and make sure your clothing isn't too tight. And to be really safe, use a Centers for Disease Control-approved repellent, such as DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535. Since mosquitoes usually breed in standing water, check your property for spots that are over-irrigated, or containers that collect rain water - keep them empty and dry. If you have a pond in your landscaping, consider stocking it with  "mosquitofish" or Gambusia affinis, sometimes available through the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health: 858-694-2888.