If you feel like mosquitoes treat you like their personal buffet while others sit nearby untouched, you’re not imagining things — some people really are more appetizing to mosquitoes than others.
These buzzing bloodsuckers may seem random in their attacks, but they’re actually pretty picky. If you’ve tried everything to keep them away but still end up itchy, you might start to ask yourself, “What are mosquitoes attracted to?”
It turns out, there’s not just one answer. Research shows that everything from your body chemistry to your lifestyle can affect how appealing you are to mosquitoes. This list will help you zero in on the reason mosquitoes are zeroing in on you.
Mosquitoes are excellent at sniffing out carbon dioxide. And studies show that the more you exhale, the easier you are to find. People who are larger or more physically active tend to produce more carbon dioxide, which can make them a bigger target. It’s one reason adults are bitten more often than children, and why mosquitoes seem to love you after a workout or run.
Like humans, mosquitoes love a warm meal. Body heat draws them in, and the warmer your skin, the easier it is for them to detect you. If you naturally run warm or spend time outdoors in hot weather, you’re more likely to attract attention from these pests.
Carbon dioxide isn’t the only thing that attracts mosquitoes. Certain body odors — especially the ones we release when we sweat — can make mosquitoes flock your way. These insects like the smell of lactic acid, uric acid, and ammonia, so if they catch a whiff, they’re likely to buzz on over. Genetics play a role here too, so some people may just smell better to mosquitoes than others.
4. You’re Wearing the Wrong ColorsIt may sound strange, but mosquitoes have a surprising sense of style. These pests rely on both sight and scent to find their next meal, and dark colors like black, navy, and red tend to stand out against their backgrounds. If you’re wearing one of these colors, you’re making it easier for mosquitoes to find you.
The good news? Wearing light-colored clothing can help in more ways than one. It makes you less visible to mosquitoes and helps you stay cooler, which can reduce the body heat that draws them in.
Everybody knows mosquitoes are after your blood. So, what blood type do mosquitoes like most? Some research suggests that people with Type O blood are more likely to get bitten than those with Type A. While the science isn’t totally conclusive, blood type could be one more reason mosquitoes like you more than your neighbor.
There’s a side effect of pregnancy that often goes overlooked — an increased risk of mosquito bites. Pregnant women tend to exhale more carbon dioxide and have higher body temperatures, making them ideal targets for these bloodsuckers. As if expecting mothers didn’t have enough to worry about, more mosquito bites are another thing you can add to the list.
7. You’re Drinking AlcoholMosquitoes might be drawn to you more after a cold beer or cocktail. Some studies suggest that alcohol can slightly increase your body temperature or change your body odor in a way that makes you more appealing to mosquitoes. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s something to keep in mind during backyard barbecues this summer.
No matter how attractive you are to mosquitoes, you don’t have to suffer all season long. Contact us to take control of your backyard and stop swatting every time you step outside.
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