A study conducted in Brazil has revealed that compared to the past, mosquitoes are now relying more heavily on human blood.
Researchers from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the Oswaldo Cruz Institute installed light traps at two natural reserves in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest to capture 52 different species of mosquitoes.
The results showed that mosquitoes prefer humans more. According to the study, due to deforestation, mosquitoes have fewer natural blood sources, which has led them to bite humans more frequently.
The research stated that as biodiversity continues to decline, mosquitoes are increasingly targeting humans. This is because growing human activities are pushing other animals out of these areas, leaving mosquitoes with fewer options for survival and food.
Scientists say that by better understanding the feeding habits of mosquitoes, more effective methods for disease prevention can be developed.
Mosquito bites do not only cause itching, but these small insects are also a major source of disease transmission, which is why their increasing tendency to bite humans can have serious health consequences.
