There’s sweltering heat, shopping centre crowds and relatives overstaying their welcome - just to name a few.

But the worst irritant by far is the mosquito.

To add insult to injury, researchers now speculate mosquitoes could be the culprits behind the flesh-eating bacteria causing Buruli ulcers.

WHAT IS THE BURULI ULCER?

Buruli ulcers, also known as the Daintree ulcer to those in far north Queensland, start as a simple skin ailment resembling a small pimple. Left untreated, the bumps transform into unsightly ulcers.

The ulcer has been reported in 33 countries with tropical or temperate climates, including those across Africa, South America and the Pacific regions. Though a definitive cause is not documented, scientists are getting closer to uncovering the disease carrier.

James Cook University professor John McBride has a firm theory linking the bacteria to mosquitoes.

“It’s all caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. It’s a close relative of tuberculosis and leprosy,” said McBride.

“The two major ideas about how people acquire Mycobacterium ulcerans, one is a theory developed in Australia is that it is a result of mosquito bites. We’ve found some evidence of wild-caught mosquitoes harbouring the microbacteria wild bacteria ulcerans.”

The other theory blames bandicoots after finding bacteria in animal droppings.

Mosquitoes are infamous for causing nasty cases of malaria, dengue fever and encephalitis. And although Buruli ulcers aren’t as well known, or as wide spread, the bacteria has the ability to deteriorate tissue to the point of amputation.

McBride has witnessed these devastating ramifications.

“The ulcers get so big that you need to do major surgery, but I’ve seen people who have lost limbs as a result.”

Fortunately, ulcers this bad aren’t common. The majority of Buruli ulcers are treatable without loss of an appendage, curable through antibiotics and possible surgery.

“It’s mostly a painless unsightly ulcer which grows and patients go to their doctor because of a non-healing ulcer,” McBride said.

Regardless, scientists urge caution.

Experts fear a potential ‘epidemic’ may be brewing, with the summer mosquito season posing threats of bacteria spread.

In November, the Tropical Public Health Service recorded two instances of the Buruli ulcer in northern Queensland, with more doctors warning of a potential ‘epidemic’ in Victoria. Experts have predicted 400 cases this year alone.

ARE MOSQUITOES ATTRACTED TO CERTAIN PEOPLE?

At any given outdoor summer BBQ, it’s impossible to survive without taking home an itchy souvenir courtesy of winged pests. And for every swatted insect, someone will claim to be a mosquito’s chosen delicacy.

Scientists agree that some people are more likely to be targeted by mosquitoes, but the reasons why can vary from species to species.

It should come as no surprise that two researchers from Florida — a swampy mosquito mecca — have insight into why people are bitten. Two University of Florida professors and experts on medical entomology, Jonathan Day and Jerry Butler, speculate between 10 and 20 per cent of people are considered ‘highly attractive’ to mosquitoes.

There are plenty of myths circulating online speculating about what determines bite frequency. Some say redheads are genetically inclined to be bitten more than their blonde or brunette counterparts — not true. Others attribute blood sugar levels or floral perfumes — also false.

Often, being bitten more frequently than someone else has nothing to do with your DNA and everything to do with mozzies themselves.

Dr Janet McAllister, an entomologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says there are observable patterns.

“They have very different behaviours, very different preferences of what they want to eat and where they might live.”

If you’re bigger than others, you’re a prime candidate. Larger people produce more carbon dioxide which is more likely to lure mosquitoes from further distances. This is why men are bitten more often than women, and adults more often than children.

Exercise is another factor; mozzies love lactic acid. If you’ve just worked out or gone for a run, chances are your body is a flashing neon ‘feed on me’ sign to insects.

It could also simply boil down to how you smell to mosquitoes. Scents like acetone and oestradiol found in breath and bacteria lingering on skin are highly attractive. Scientists believe these smells emanate from some people more strongly than others, which could explain an abundance of mozzie love.

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO AVOID BECOMING PREY?

1. Wear appropriate clothing: Mosquitoes are quicker to notice people in darker shades, so it’s advised to dress in lightly-coloured clothing. Exposed skin also increases your chances of being bitten — minimising this will help prevent bites.
2. Use insect repellent: It’s a simple yet powerful tool in your arsenal. Experts recommend opting for repellent sprays instead of citronella candles.
3. Avoid certain times of day: Mosquitoes tend to be more active during dawn and dusk, favouring cooler conditions. Avoid getting bitten by planning your day to avoid peak mosquito traffic.
4. Remove standing water: Still water creates the ideal mosquito breeding environment. Birdbaths and buckets of water are perfect ways to attract unwanted biters.
5. Air circulation: Mosquitoes, while irritating, aren’t strong flyers. Using a fan to increase and circulate air flow will help minimise insect presence.

— Mike Cook is an SEO Content Specialist for news.com.au. Continue the conversation @mikejxmes