It's Not About 'Sweet Blood': Here's Why Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others and How to Get Rid of Them

If you've ever felt like a walking buffet for mosquitoes while your companions remain untouched, you're not imagining things. Science has revealed that these pesky insects are indeed selective, and it's far more complex than the old wives' tale of 'sweet blood.' Večernji List reports on the fascinating scientific reasons why some individuals are simply irresistible to mosquitoes.

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If you have ever wondered why mosquitoes always bite you while leaving others alone, science offers concrete answers.

The primary beacon for mosquitoes is carbon dioxide (CO2), which they can detect from up to 50 meters away. This means people with faster metabolisms, such as pregnant women, those with higher body mass, or individuals who have been physically active, emit more CO2 and become more attractive targets. As Professor Jonathan F. Day from the University of Florida explains, the more CO2 you release, the more appealing you are to these 'wing-footed pests.'

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The amount of CO2 you produce increases the amount of carbon dioxide you release. The more you release, the more attractive you are to these wing-footed pests.

Beyond CO2, mosquitoes rely on a cocktail of other signals. Recent research highlights the significant role of body odor, particularly the unique scent profiles created by bacteria on our skin. Individuals with higher levels of carboxylic acids, produced by these bacteria, are veritable magnets for mosquito bites. Furthermore, lactic acid, which is released through the skin during exercise, acts as a potent lure. Even your blood type can play a role; studies indicate that mosquitoes land on people with Type O blood nearly twice as often as those with Type A, likely due to specific chemical secretions on the skin.

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Newer research has shown that carboxylic acids, produced by bacteria on our skin, are extremely attractive to mosquitoes.

Finally, visual cues and body heat come into play. Mosquitoes have excellent vision and are drawn to darker clothing, which stands out more against the horizon compared to lighter colors. Colors like red, orange, black, and cyan are particularly attractive. Once they land, body temperature becomes a factor; individuals with naturally higher body temperatures or those who have recently exercised signal that blood is close to the surface, making them even more desirable targets. Understanding these factors can help us better predict and potentially mitigate mosquito bites.

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In one controlled study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, mosquitoes landed on people with blood type O almost twice as often as on those with blood type A, which is linked to chemical secretions on the skin that indicate blood type.