Ever wonder why mosquitoes seem to always find you and leave others alone? It turns out, mosquitoes are attracted to certain scents.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why mosquitoes are drawn to specific scents and how you can protect yourself from their bites.

What scents are mosquitoes attracted to?

One of the main scents that attract mosquitoes is carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide from up to 164 feet away. This is why they often swarm around people who are breathing heavily or exercising.

Mosquitoes are also attracted to lactic acid, which is produced when we sweat. Additionally, mosquitoes are drawn to body heat and moisture, making them especially active at dusk and dawn when the air is cooler and more humid.

Other scents that mosquitoes find attractive include:.

Octenol: a chemical released by animals during respiration
Bacteria and sweat: sweat and the bacteria that grows on it create a smell that mosquitoes are attracted to
Floral scents: some mosquito species are attracted to floral scents
Fruity scents: some mosquito species are drawn to fruity scents, such as those produced by ripe fruit

Why are some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others?

While most people are bitten by mosquitoes at some point, some people seem to be more attractive to mosquitoes than others. There are a few factors that can increase your attractiveness to mosquitoes:.

Blood type: mosquitoes are more attracted to people with type O blood
Body odor: people with a higher metabolic rate or who are overweight tend to produce more body heat, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid, making them more attractive to mosquitoes
Pregnancy: pregnant women exhale more carbon dioxide and tend to have higher body temperatures, making them a target for mosquitoes

How can you protect yourself from mosquito bites?

While you can’t control your blood type or body odor, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from mosquito bites:.

Use insect repellent: using an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can help keep mosquitoes away
Cover up: wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks can help minimize your skin’s exposure to mosquitoes
Avoid prime mosquito hours: mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so try to limit your outdoor activities during these times
Use mosquito nets: if you’re going camping or sleeping in an area with a high mosquito population, use mosquito nets to create a barrier between you and the bugs
Eliminate breeding sites: mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so make sure to eliminate any sources of standing water around your home

Conclusion

While mosquitoes are drawn to specific scents, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from their bites. Using insect repellent, covering up, and avoiding prime mosquito hours can all help keep mosquitoes at bay.

By understanding what makes mosquitoes tick, you can stay one step ahead of these pesky insects during the summer months.