• Question: Is it true that some people get bitten by midges more than others? If so, why? I have heard its something to do with your blood.

    Asked by yourmum to Meeks, Pete, Stephen, Steve, Tom on 23 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Stephen Curry

      Stephen Curry answered on 21 Jun 2010:

      I think it is true but I believe it is more to do with smell. That is certainly the case with mosquitos – some people get bitten more than others and again that is due to smell.

      I’m not sure what smell the mossies like (whether washed or unwashed!) but don’t think that they or midges can know what your blood tastes like before they have bitten you.

    • Photo: Marieke Navin

      Marieke Navin answered on 22 Jun 2010:

      I think that this is true as I am this person! My supervisor used to joke that he was glad when I was around as he knew he would be safe from bites!

    • Photo: Tom Hartley

      Tom Hartley answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      This is not a scientific observation but I can confirm that it is true in my personal experience (we call this anecdotal evidence, and take it with a large pinch of salt). My wife always gets more bites, and in fact I think she acts as bait, taking potential biters away from me.

      This (from Yahoo Answers) explains some of the possible mechanisms, but I am afraid I don’t know how scientifically valid these ideas are.

      http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080716222338AA6MKys

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