Why do some people get bitten by mosquitoes more than others? What drives the insect’s choice of a target? Color plays a role; shades like black and red can attract mosquitoes, so choosing lighter, cooler tones in warm months is sensible.
But color is only part of the story. Certain scents matter too. Body sweat, the influence of alcohol, and what a person has eaten can shape odor, drawing mosquitoes more than others. Researchers explain that the odor emitted from skin through sweat is a key attractant.
Entomologist Rosario Melero-Alcíbar, who studies mosquitoes, notes that carbon dioxide and lactic acid released from the skin are strong cues that lure mosquitoes toward humans.
As Melero-Alcíbar discussed with a radio station, the attraction hinges on body odor that varies from person to person and can be stronger or milder. Alcohol can increase the amount of CO2 excreted through the skin, amplifying the lure.
Heat from a person and a larger intake of meals can raise body temperature and boost CO2 levels on the skin. This scent remains detectable and cannot be masked by cologne or perfume, the expert says. Similarly, flowers and other ambient fragrances do not significantly change the odds of getting bitten.
Melero-Alcíbar adds that repellents disrupt the sense of odor around people and reduce a mosquito’s ability to sense cues, especially skin-area repellents that confuse the insect. Candles, bracelets, or smoke sticks offer limited protection.
Recent studies from a university in the United States indicate that mosquitoes perceive human skin as red, while white tones tend to be neutral. This finding suggests wearing more coverage during warm months to reduce visible skin exposure.
Earlier research has suggested that mosquitoes show preferences for certain blood groups such as O and B. They also tend to favor people who have been sweating for a longer time compared with those who have recently showered, so a timely shower can be part of an effective strategy to reduce bites.
Genetics also play a significant role. Some individuals naturally emit substances that mosquitoes find unpleasant, acting as built-in, natural repsellents.
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