Mosquitoes are cunning hunters that use their senses of smell and vision to find blood-filled prey to dine on so the protein can nourish their eggs. Humans, with relatively thin skin and lack of fur, make a delectable and easy prey item for a mosquito.
Plus, humans exhale carbon dioxide, which draws the insect’s attention like a beacon. Why do mosquitoes bite my elbows?
Mosquitoes bite your elbows because the blood vessels there are easy to access, the stinky smell of bacteria emitted from sweat and most people don’t pay much attention to their elbows. The out-of-the-way location gives a mosquito time to feed uninterrupted and unseen, so they get their fill before leaving.
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Why Mosquitoes Bite Your Elbows
Mosquitoes are one of the few species on Earth that actively hunt humans. Of course, we’re not alone. They will bite almost anything with red blood.
Regrettably, these infuriating pests like some blood types, people, and body parts better than others for their meals. It only seems mysterious until you understand how they hunt and what they are looking for.
Below are 6 reasons why mosquitoes bite your elbows:
1 – Evolution
There are many types of mosquitoes, and like any diverse family, they may be similar, but each species is adapted a little differently.
For mosquitoes, that means some hunt elbows while others seek out other body parts like ankles. Not all mosquitoes are hunting your elbows.
According to Ecolab, “More than 3,000 species of mosquitoes inhabit the Earth, with about 176 of these species are found in North America. The most common mosquitoes in the U.S. are those of the Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles genera.”
Out of these, the Aedes aegypti, in particular, are known for seeking out elbows.
2 – Less Noticeable
When was the last tie you thought about your elbow? Unless a mosquito recently bit it, or you banged it on something, it was probably a while ago.
Elbows are one of those body parts we don’t spend much time looking at, especially since they face behind us most of the time.
Mosquitoes can land anywhere there’s exposed skin. However, they often choose a spot where they won’t be seen.
Biting an area that gives the insect a good chance of finishing its meal uninterrupted is an intelligent strategy that increases the likelihood she will fill up and then have the ability to lay eggs.
3 – Thin Skin and Shallow Vessels
One of the primary reasons that mosquitoes bite elbows is the thinner skin. You probably realized that you don’t have much fat on your elbows.
They are just a layer of skin with blood vessels, muscle, and bone below. That’s why it hurts so much when you bang them on something.
To a mosquito, the blood near the surface is a boon. Often these insects have to bite several times to make the blood flow correctly.
That’s why it frequently feels like you got bitten by a dozen mosquitoes even though they usually travel alone unless they’re breeding.
One persistent individual probably bit you several times before she found what she was looking for, which makes these pests even more despicable if you ask me.
4 – Easy, Unrestrained Access
There are parts of the world where long, loose clothing is still the norm. However, here in the USA, most folks wear t-shirts in summer.
Not only do we stay cooler that way, but our elbows are exposed, leaving them easy to reach if you’re a hungry female mosquito seeking a blood meal to provide protein for her eggs.
5 – Mosquitoes May Not Be Biting Your Elbows More
You could be wrong about mosquitoes biting your elbows more. It’s not that your elbows are untouched, but you’re more likely to notice.
Since elbows have so little fat padding, the nerve endings are nearer to the surface. Moreover, your elbows don’t see as much action as other body parts. You notice more when your elbows hurt because it’s uncommon.
6 – You’re Their Type
Mosquitoes are widely rumored to favor people with diabetes because their blood is sweeter. Although that’s not true, they do prefer type O blood.
Additionally, they like beer drinkers because alcohol thins the blood making it flow more freely. People who are older and less in shape also appeal to mosquitoes because they exhale more CO2.
Finally, if you prefer dark clothing or bright-dark tones like reds and royal blues, then you are signing up for more mosquito bites on your elbows and other body parts.
Helpful Tips To Know About Why Mosquitoes Bite Elbows
Mosquitoes may be supremely annoying, a little disgusting, and potentially dangerous, but they aren’t vicious. Primarily a female mosquito is looking for a nice, quiet place to eat her fill so she can relax afterward then lay eggs.
In their short lives, one to three weeks, they may repeat the eat, digest, and lay process several times thanks to your elbows.
Here are more helpful tips to know about why mosquitoes bite elbows.
- You may not have noticed, but your elbows have sweat glands. Since many species of mosquitoes are drawn to sweat and the bacterium that feed on it, that makes your elbow into a tasty meal.
- One of the most dangerous mosquito species, the Aedes aegypti, has learned to bite elbows along with ankles and necks because people are less likely to notice a bite there. Unfortunately, this species is a carrier for both the Zika virus and Dengue fever. While it’s bad news for humans, this survival strategy is actually quite advanced and effective for mosquitoes.
- Not all mosquitoes target human elbows. Some species are drawn to foot odor. The unique bacteria that eats our sweat giving a human unpleasant body odor is another excellent way for a blood-sucking insect with a great sense of smell to locate its prey. What smells like a bad locker room to you and me is more like baking bread or barbecue to the mosquitoes.
- Even if you cover your elbows with a long-sleeved shirt, it may not be enough. According to Healthline, “In order for a mosquito to make contact with the skin under clothing, the fabric must be skintight or close-fitting, such as yoga pants, lightweight undershirts, or tights. If you’re wearing loose clothing made from an impenetrable fabric, mosquitoes won’t be able to bite you unless they’re able to get into the garment.”
Final Thoughts
Female mosquitoes are opportunistic carnivores. While not all of these insects go for your elbows, some species seek them out specifically because they are easy to access and bite.
Worse still, you are more likely to notice an elbow bite because your elbows are so sensitive. The lack of fat padding and proximity of the nerves to the surface means it hurts and itches a lot more when you get bitten in the elbows.
Ultimately, all you can do is wear loose sleeves and mosquito spray or hope someone tastier is standing nearby.
