Summertime is the perfect season for outdoor activities, but unfortunately, it’s also the time when mosquitoes are active. These pesky insects can ruin your outdoor fun by constantly buzzing around you and leaving itchy bites.

While some people seem to be immune to mosquito bites, others seem to be the main target.

What attracts mosquitoes to humans?

Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes aren’t drawn to humans because of our blood, but rather a combination of factors that make us more attractive to these insects. Here are some reasons why mosquitoes might find you appealing:.

1. Genetics

If you’re one of those people who always seems to get bitten by mosquitoes, it could be due to your genes. According to a study published in PNAS, genes play a big role in determining whether mosquitoes find you attractive or not.

People who emit certain chemicals from their skin are more susceptible to mosquito bites than those who don’t.

2. Blood Type

Another factor that can make you more attractive to mosquitoes is your blood type. A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that people with Type O blood are twice more attractive to mosquitoes than those with Type A blood.

Mosquitoes are also more attracted to people with a high concentration of steroids or cholesterol on their skin.

3. Sweating

Mosquitoes are attracted to the scent of sweat and can detect it from up to 50 meters away. If you’re someone who tends to sweat a lot, you’re more likely to attract mosquitoes.

This is because sweat contains lactic acid, which is one of the chemicals that mosquitoes find appealing.

4. Carbon dioxide

Mosquitoes are highly attracted to carbon dioxide, which we exhale when we breathe. The more carbon dioxide you produce, the more attractive you become to mosquitoes.

This means that people who are overweight or pregnant tend to be more attractive to mosquitoes because they produce more carbon dioxide than others.

5. Body Heat

Mosquitoes are also attracted to body heat. They use their infrared receptors to detect the heat signature of humans and other animals. If you’re someone who naturally has a high body temperature, you’re more likely to attract mosquitoes.

6. Dark-colored clothing

If you tend to wear dark clothing, you may be more susceptible to mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, especially black and red, because they appear more similar to their natural predators such as birds and mammals.

Wearing light-colored clothing can help to reduce your attractiveness to mosquitoes.

7. Perfumes and scented products

Mosquitoes are also attracted to perfumes and scented products. These products can mask the natural scent of your skin, making it more difficult for mosquitoes to find you.

However, some scents such as floral scents can actually attract mosquitoes, so it’s important to choose your products wisely if you’re looking to avoid mosquito bites.

How can you protect yourself from mosquitoes?

While you can’t change your genetics or blood type, there are many things you can do to protect yourself from mosquito bites:.

1. Wear protective clothing

Wearing long sleeves and pants can help to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes. Additionally, choosing light-colored clothing can make you less attractive to these pests.

2. Use insect repellent

Insect repellents containing DEET and picaridin can be highly effective at repelling mosquitoes. Be sure to reapply the repellent every few hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.

3. Avoid peak mosquito hours

Mosquitoes are most active during the early morning and evening hours. If possible, avoid being outside during these times to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes.

4. Keep your surroundings clean

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so be sure to eliminate any sources of standing water around your home. This includes emptying bird baths, fixing leaky faucets, and regularly cleaning out gutters.

Conclusion

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, but by understanding what attracts them to humans, you can take steps to protect yourself from their bites.

While you can’t change your genetics or blood type, you can make small changes to your lifestyle that can help to reduce your attractiveness to mosquitoes and keep these pests at bay.