While mosquitoes are a fact of life in many parts of the world, some people seem to be more susceptible to their bites than others.

If you are one of those people who always seem to get bitten, you may be wondering what it is that makes mosquitoes find you so irresistible. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why mosquitoes are attracted to certain people.

1. Genetics

It turns out that genetics may play a role in whether mosquitoes find you attractive. In one study, researchers found that genetics was responsible for up to 85% of the variation in people’s attractiveness to mosquitoes.

Specifically, the study found that people who secreted certain chemicals, such as lactic acid and ammonia, were more attractive to mosquitoes.

2. Carbon dioxide

Mosquitoes use carbon dioxide to locate their human hosts. When we breathe, we exhale carbon dioxide, which acts as a beacon to mosquitoes. The more carbon dioxide we exhale, the more attractive we are to mosquitoes.

This is why larger people and pregnant women are often more attractive to mosquitoes, as they tend to exhale more carbon dioxide.

3. Body heat

Mosquitoes are also attracted to body heat. When we exercise or otherwise raise our body temperature, we give off more heat, which can make us more attractive to mosquitoes.

Additionally, mosquitoes are more active in warm weather, so if you are outside on a hot day, you are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.

4. Body odor

The bacteria that live on our skin and in our sweat are another factor that can make us attractive to mosquitoes. Some people have more beneficial bacteria on their skin that produce chemicals that mask their smell from mosquitoes.

However, others have less beneficial bacteria and produce more chemicals that make them more attractive to mosquitoes.

5. Lactic acid

Lactic acid is another chemical that can make us more attractive to mosquitoes. When we exercise, we produce more lactic acid, which can make us more attractive to mosquitoes.

Additionally, some people naturally produce more lactic acid than others, which can make them more attractive to mosquitoes.

6. Clothing

The type of clothing you wear can also make a difference in how attractive you are to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so wearing light-colored clothing can help to reduce your attractiveness to mosquitoes.

Additionally, mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting clothing, so loose-fitting clothing is a better choice if you want to avoid mosquito bites.

7. Perfumes and colognes

Finally, the perfumes and colognes that we wear can make us more attractive to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted to certain floral scents, so if you are wearing a perfume or cologne with a floral scent, you may be more attractive to mosquitoes.

Additionally, some perfumes and colognes contain ingredients that can irritate mosquito bites, making them itchier and more uncomfortable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mosquitoes are attracted to certain people for a variety of reasons. Genetics, carbon dioxide, body heat, body odor, lactic acid, clothing, and perfumes and colognes can all play a role in whether mosquitoes find you attractive.

If you are one of those people who always seem to get bitten by mosquitoes, you may want to take these factors into consideration and take steps to reduce your attractiveness to mosquitoes.