Why are Mosquitoes Attracted to me?

Picture this: It’s mid-June. You just enjoyed a nice cookout. The sun is setting and now you’re relaxing in your backyard with your friends—playing cornhole, talking, laughing, roasting marshmallows by the fire. Everyone is enjoying themselves, particularly that one darn mosquito that just won’t seem to leave you alone. You and only you seem to be the mosquito magnet. You swat left and right only to realize it has already bitten you twice and keeps coming back for more - and you are there thinking - why are mosquitoes attracted to me?

Unfortunately for you, mosquitoes actually do favor certain people over others. Below we take a look at some things that make certain people more attractive to mosquitoes and susceptible to mosquito bites than others.

Don’t want mosquitoes bugging you? Reach out to Western’s mosquito control team today.

What attracts mosquitoes to certain people?

Is it the color you are wearing? Are you sweating? Did you just drink a beer? Are you moving too much? What’s your blood type? Are you pregnant? Surprisingly, these are all factors that could make you more attractive to mosquitoes. Let’s take a look at them.

Color

The color you are wearing can either reduce or increase your attractiveness to a mosquito, and research has shown that mosquitoes are more attracted to darker colors. For mosquitoes, darker colors stand out and lighter colors blend in with the horizon. This contrast in colors is a way for mosquitoes to identify a host in front of them blocking the mosquito’s view of the horizon.

Also, darker colors absorb more heat, so you are more likely to sweat when wearing dark clothing, therefore increasing your body temperature. Mosquitoes have highly sensitive heat sensors, so they will typically fly toward the warmer person wearing a darker outfit as opposed to a cool, calm, and relaxed person wearing lighter colors. 

Body odor

As stated in the section above, mosquitoes are attracted to body heat, and when your body gets hot, you sweat. Mosquitoes can actually smell the lactic acid found in your sweat from a distance. They get their intense sense of smell from their chemical neuroreceptors. Lactic acid, ammonia, uric acid, and other compounds found in human perspiration are all picked up by those receptors. Therefore, the more you sweat, the more likely you are to get bitten.

Alcohol

So what on earth does alcohol have to do with mosquitoes biting you? Well, studies have shown that mosquitoes are more attracted to those who drink beer. Drinking beer increases the ethanol content in your sweat which attracts mosquitoes. Also, your body temperature increases when you drink alcohol and, as we learned earlier, mosquitoes find their host through their heat sensors. So, the higher your body temperature is, the more likely a mosquito will find you.

Blood type

A study in 2019 looked at mosquito preferences in regards to blood type and found that mosquitoes are most attracted to people with Type O blood. Actually, people with Type O blood are two times more likely to attract mosquitoes and mosquito bites than those with Type A blood. Those with Type B blood end up somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Unfortunately though, 85% of humans give off a chemical signal that tells mosquitoes what blood type they have, so there’s really no way to avoid this factor.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are found to be attractive to mosquitoes as they tend to have higher metabolic rates on average than nonpregnant women, therefore they release more carbon dioxide. Also, a pregnant woman’s body temperature is typically higher than normal, which is another factor that attracts mosquitoes. 

Carbon dioxide

Finally, the biggest factor when it comes to attracting mosquitoes is carbon dioxide. We all emit carbon dioxide when we exhale, and an increase in carbon dioxide can alert a mosquito that a potential host is nearby. Also, more carbon dioxide is released when you exercise. So, if you are outside during evening hours, drinking a beer, producing skin bacteria and sweating while playing cornhole, you’re pretty much guaranteed to end up with some mosquito bites.

How skin bacteria influence mosquito attraction

Your skin is home to many types of bacteria. Some of these produce odors that can make you more appealing to mosquitoes, and when bacteria break down sweat and other natural substances on your skin, they release compounds that mosquitoes use to find a host. People with more diverse skin bacteria, or certain kinds, may be more likely to get bitten. 

Why female mosquitoes are the ones that bite

Only female mosquitoes bite because they need the protein found in a blood meal to help develop their eggs. Males, on the other hand, feed on nectar and plant juices. Females use their needle-like mouthparts to pierce the skin and draw blood. While doing this, certain mosquito species can also transmit viruses like West Nile, dengue, or Zika if they’re infected.

How to prevent mosquitoes from biting you

Now that we know what can attract mosquitoes, let’s talk through some tips for protection against them.

• Try to limit the amount you sweat. Avoid outdoor activities and exercise during peak mosquito times – dusk and dawn.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents to protect yourself if you cannot avoid outdoor activities.
• Wear light-colored clothing as opposed to darker colors.
• Mosquitoes are attracted to human skin. Reduce the amount of your skin exposed by wearing long-sleeve shirts, pants, and socks.
• When outside, consider your choice of drink carefully, as consuming alcohol can increase your body temperature and the amount of ethanol in your sweat, which attracts mosquitoes.
• Turn on a fan. Mosquitoes are weak fliers.

You can also help prevent mosquitoes in your yard by eliminating standing water, like ponds or bird baths, keeping your vegetation trimmed, and keeping your patio furniture away from dense foliage areas. Understanding these factors can help you make smarter choices to avoid bites and support your broader pest control efforts. 

If you're managing a public space or facility, considering commercial pest control solutions may be an important part of reducing mosquito exposure for visitors and staff. Your local pest experts will do a preliminary property inspection to determine the type of mosquito control service you need.

Choosing the right mosquito repellent

Picking the right mosquito repellent depends on where you are, how long you’ll be outside, and your personal comfort. Products that contain EPA-registered ingredients like DEET, essential oil of lemon eucalyptus, or picaridin are known to reduce bites effectively. 

These repellents come in sprays, lotions, or wipes and should be applied to exposed skin and clothing. Always follow label directions, and reapply as needed to stay protected.

Get rid of mosquitoes with Western

Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your backyard fun. Western Exterminator offers mosquito control that will help protect both you and your yard from those pesky mosquitoes. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection.