We often hear some people experiencing numerous mosquito bites while going out or simply sitting, whereas their roommates or partners don’t have a single mosquito bite. If you have a similar situation, you are not alone. According to various studies, around 20% of people get a mosquito bit more frequently consistently.

There is a famous proverb that some people have more mosquito bites because they have sweet blood, which is incorrect. Although blood type plays a crucial role in preference for mosquitoes, it is not related to the sweetness. Let’s understand more about how mosquitoes get attracted to certain people and if you are one of them.

Reasons why mosquitoes bite some people more than others

If you experience more mosquito bites than other people in similar circumstances, the following factors may help you understand the causes and lower the risk of numerous mosquito-borne illnesses:

Body odor you emit

Our body generates specific compounds responsible for our body odor. These certain compounds present in sweat and on our body attract mosquitoes. Researchers have discovered numerous compounds that act like magnets for these insects. Some of these compounds are ammonia and lactic acid. Various studies are still investigating why there is variation in body odor between different people and whether the principal causes are genetics, specific bacteria on individual skin, or a combination of both. Genetics can determine people’s body odor. Therefore, if you have a family member who has more tendency toward mosquito bites, you may become susceptible too.

Color of clothes you are wearing

The exact reason for mosquitoes getting attracted to dark colors is still unidentified. But according to researchers, if you wear dark-colored clothes, such as black, blue, green, or red, you may be easier to spot by these insects and prone to more mosquito bites.

So, switch to softer colors, such as white, cream, or pastel shades.

Your blood type

Mosquitoes feed on some proteins from our blood. Therefore these insects find some blood types more welcoming than others. According to numerous studies, different species of mosquito desire different blood groups, such as Aedes albopictus mosquito species prefer Type O blood, while Anopheles gambiae favors Type AB blood group. Our body secretes a chemical signal, which indicates what type of blood group we have. This signal creates more attraction to mosquitoes.

Carbon dioxide gas

Mosquitoes have maxillary palp, an organ that can detect carbon dioxide gas from a far distance. Therefore, people who exhale long get more attraction to the mosquitoes. We exhale from our nose and mouth. Therefore mosquitoes group around our heads.

Body heat and exercises

According to studies, mosquitoes can sense heat sources and water vapors nearby. Therefore, these small-flying insects move toward these heat sources that are at a favorable temperature. Our body emits heat and water droplets depending on the surrounding temperature and the intensity of the workout. And mosquitoes detect this water vapor and heat, playing a role in mosquitoes biting.

Pregnancy

According to numerous studies, pregnant women are more desirable blood meal to the mosquitoes than non-pregnant women. Pregnant women tend to exhale more, emit more carbon dioxide, and their body temperature is higher than normal individuals. Both these factors attract mosquitoes.

Alcohol

The direct correlation between alcohol consumption and mosquito bites is still under investigation. But according to the latest survey, the researchers found that people who had alcohol are more attracted to mosquitoes than people who had not in similar circumstances. Therefore, you should take precautions against these insects while drinking alcohol.

Bacteria present on our skin

Numerous bacteria and other microbes live on our skin. These bacteria with our sweat emit a distinct odor, which attracts mosquitoes. According to one study, participants who attracted mosquitoes had a large quantity but less diverse community of microbes than those who were not as desirable to mosquitoes.

When a mosquito bites, we get an immune reaction and experience itching, redness, and swelling around the bite area. But, if you have a severe allergic reaction other than a minor swelling and itchiness, you may be allergic to these bugs. Consult your doctor about mosquito allergies if you are experiencing significant swelling, rashes, difficulty breathing, or hives.

Mosquito bites can be dangerous for all of us. Therefore, whether you are a mosquito magnet or not, take proper precautions to prevent yourself from mosquito bites.