Most people consider mosquitoes to be pestsbecause they disturb our sleep with their buzzingsounds. These tiny insects can also be dangerous because they easily carry and spread diseases. Although people generally dislike mosquitoes, it appears that some people get bitten more often than others. Scientists have conductedmany studies to find out why mosquitoes are attracted tocertain people, and the results are interesting.
The primary factor that draws mosquitoes towards humans is carbon dioxide. Everyone produces carbon dioxide when they breathe,but larger people might produce more of it. This means mosquitoes might prefer to bite the biggest person in a group. Lactic acidis another favorite of mosquitoes. People produce lactic acid when they sweat. In order to prevent mosquito bites,wash off any sweat with soap and water and dry off thoroughly before going outside.
It is also essentialto take a shower every day, especially for your feet. Studies have shown that mosquitoes like people with more bacteria on theirfeet. Also, avoid wearing dark colors when doing outdoor activities as mosquitoes use their eyes to target victims in dark clothing. If you have ever suspected that you are a mosquito magnet, these are some ways to help you stay unbitten.
單字片語整理
Words in Use
●
magnet
[ˋmægnɪt]
n. 磁鐵
The boy picked up the nails with a magnet.
男孩子用一塊磁鐵吸起這些釘子。
高中 Level 3
●
disturb
[dɪsˋtɝb]
.vt. & vi. 打擾，使煩惱
=
bother
=
annoy
Don’t disturb Dad while he is at work.
老爸工作時不要打擾他。
The sign reads, “Please Do Not Disturb.”
牌子上寫著『請勿打擾』。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
breathe
[brið]
vt. & vi. 呼吸
Breathe in. Breathe out. Try to relax yourself. 吸氣。吐氣。設法讓自己放鬆。
Upon hearing the good news, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
一聽到這個好消息，大家都歎了口氣，如釋重負。
多益綠色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
●
thoroughly
[ˋθɝolɪ]
adv. 徹底地，完全地
The drug had to be thoroughly tested before being put on the market.
這種藥物上市前必須經過徹底檢驗。
多益藍色
●
bacteria
[bækˋtɪrɪə]
n. 細菌（複數）
=
germ
=
virus
Handrails are covered in bacteria.
扶手上都是細菌。
Handrails are covered with bacteria.
扶手上都是細菌。
高中 Level 3
●
victim
[ˋvɪktɪm]
n. 受害者
Many teenagers fall victim to drugs.
許多青少年都成了毒品的受害者。
I hope there are no victims of racial discrimination in our company.
我希望我們公司沒有任何種族歧視的受害者。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
●
suspect
[səˋspɛkt]
vt. 懷疑；猜想
The police suspected Bob of the crime.
警方懷疑鮑伯犯了這個罪行。
Ted was suspected of stealing Mary’s watch.
泰德涉嫌偷了瑪莉的手錶。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
●
pest
[pɛst]
n. 害蟲；討厭鬼
=
nuisance
=
a pain in the neck
Mice are everywhere in this place. Let’s call the pest control company right away.
這地方到處是老鼠。快打電話給防蟲公司。
Brandon is a pest because he always interrupts others when they are talking.
布蘭登是個討厭鬼，因為別人說話時他老愛打岔。
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
buzzing
[ˈbʌzɪŋ]
a. 嗡嗡響的
英檢中級
●
conduct
[kənˋdʌkt]
vt. 處理；指揮（樂團）
Police have conducted an investigation into the case.
警方已就該案件進行調查。
The local orchestra was conducted by my piano teacher, Mr. Evans.
本地的管絃樂團是由我的鋼琴老師艾文斯先生擔任指揮。
多益金色
英檢中級
高中 Level 5
●
essential
[ɪˋsɛnʃəl]
a. 必要的，不可或缺的
n. 要素，要點（常用複數）
Water and air are essential to us.
水和空氣對我們而言都是不可或缺的。
The teacher taught us the essentials of good health.
老師教導我們健康的要素。
多益綠色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
unbitten
a. 不被叮咬的
Practical Phrases
●
be attracted to / by...
對……著迷，被……深深吸引
I must admit that I’m very attracted to David.
我必須承認我對大衛十分著迷。
●
carbon dioxide
二氧化碳
Plants absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
植物吸收二氧化碳並且製造氧氣。
