Texans Should Avoid These Foods That May Attract Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes – they grow big here in Texas. So much so that people like to joke that mosquitoes are the unofficial state bird of Texas. 

But the fact they carry diseases is no laughing matter at all. West Nile Virus has been discovered recently in the Lone Star State. 

When it comes to outdoor activities here, folks accept the fact that you have to douse yourself with mosquito spray if you want to enjoy yourself outside without getting eaten up by mosquitoes.

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But there are other things you can do to make yourself less attractive to mosquitoes. 

For one thing, you can avoid consuming certain foods and drinks. Food & Wine recently published an article highlighting the foods and drinks to eat (and avoid) to lessen the likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes. 

The reason is that mosquitoes are attracted to certain chemicals in our sweat and breath (among other things). So, it makes sense that the things we consume play a role in being attractive to them. 

What foods should we avoid to be less attractive to mosquitoes? 

Smelly Cheeses 

Bacteria on our skin produce a compound called carboxylic acid, which is also present in “stinky” cheeses like Limburger. 

Bananas

A recent study found people were twice as likely to be bitten by a mosquito after eating bananas than after eating grapes. 

Desserts and Floral-Scented Foods

Mosquitoes feed on nectar, so sweets and floral-scented foods are attractive to them. 

Beer

Researchers believe drinking beer changes a chemical released by the skin that is attractive to mosquitoes.