mosquitoes bite

Now that summer is right around the corner, mosquitoes are once again on the prowl. And some people are, particularly at risk. There is always someone that gets bitten no matter how many bugs spray or cream they use. At the end of the day, he or she has bites everywhere. Have you ever wondered why some people get special treatment from the blood-suckers? It's not just that their blood is sweeter.



Mosquitoes are drawn to your skin by bacteria, more specifically, from the smell that these bacteria give off. There are some factors that you should be aware of that promote bites.

1. Drinking beer

The sweat that you secrete when you drink alcohol magically attracts mosquitoes as a French study has shown. In one experiment, three beers led to 30% more bites. Bad news for open-air pubs.




2. Exercise

It's not just the opposite sex that finds your chiseled body irresistible. Mosquitoes are also very attracted to you when you work out. The higher your body temperature is, the more likely mosquitoes will notice you. That doesn't mean that you should give up outdoor sports - but rather that you should put some lotion on.



3. Your blood type

One specific blood type is particularly at risk. People with blood type 0 were more affected by mosquito bites by up to 83%! This is good news for everyone else, but it's bad news if you've got type 0 blood. Here, nothing can help except putting on bug spray and hoping for the best.



Wow, I didn't know that. I thought it was really exciting to see why mosquitoes "fly after" some people and ignore others.

Mosquitoes are selective in their choice of hosts, and several factors can make some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Here are some key reasons why mosquitoes might bite you the most:

1. Body Odor and Sweat

  • Chemical Compounds: Mosquitoes are attracted to certain chemicals found in human sweat, such as lactic acid, uric acid, and ammonia. The specific composition of your body odor can make you more appealing to mosquitoes.
  • Sweating: People who sweat more may attract more mosquitoes because sweat contains compounds that mosquitoes find enticing.

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emission

  • Breathing: Mosquitoes use CO2 as a primary means of locating their hosts. People who exhale more CO2, such as those who are larger, pregnant, or engaged in physical activity, are more likely to attract mosquitoes.
  • Body Temperature: Higher body temperatures can increase CO2 production, making you more attractive to mosquitoes.

3. Body Heat and Warmth

  • Temperature: Mosquitoes are attracted to warm bodies. People who emit more heat due to higher metabolic rates or physical activity are more likely to get bitten.
  • Localized Heat: Specific body parts that are warmer, such as feet, hands, and the head, can be more attractive to mosquitoes.

4. Blood Type

  • Type O Blood: Research suggests that people with type O blood are more attractive to mosquitoes than those with type A, B, or AB blood. Type O blood produces certain chemicals that mosquitoes find appealing.
  • Blood Type Secretion: Some people secrete substances that indicate their blood type through their skin, which can make them more attractive to mosquitoes.

5. Genetics

  • Inherited Factors: Genetics play a significant role in how attractive you are to mosquitoes. Certain genetic traits influence the chemicals your body emits, your body temperature, and your CO2 output.
  • Family Traits: If mosquitoes seem to prefer you, they might also prefer your close family members due to shared genetic factors.

6. Skin Microbiota

  • Bacteria on Skin: The type and abundance of bacteria on your skin can influence your attractiveness to mosquitoes. Different bacterial communities produce different odors, some of which can be more appealing to mosquitoes.

7. Alcohol Consumption

  • Metabolism and Odor: Drinking alcohol can increase your metabolic rate and change the composition of your sweat, making you more attractive to mosquitoes.
  • Increased Heat: Alcohol consumption can raise your body temperature, which can attract mosquitoes.

8. Pregnancy

  • Increased CO2: Pregnant women exhale more CO2 and have higher body temperatures, making them more likely to attract mosquitoes.
  • Blood Volume and Body Odor: Pregnancy increases blood volume and can alter body odor, which can make pregnant women more attractive to mosquitoes.

9. Clothing Color

  • Dark Colors: Mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors such as black, navy blue, and red. Wearing light-colored clothing can make you less noticeable to mosquitoes.

10. Movement and Activity

  • Kinetic Attraction: Movement can attract mosquitoes as it signals a potential host. People who are more active or moving around outdoors are more likely to get bitten.

Prevention Tips

  • Repellents: Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants, especially in mosquito-prone areas.
  • Avoid Peak Times: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Try to avoid outdoor activities during these times.
  • Reduce Standing Water: Eliminate standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

By understanding these factors, you can take steps to minimize your attractiveness to mosquitoes and reduce the likelihood of getting bitten.