Why Mosquitoes Like You More Than Anyone Else

It happens all the time …you go to a party and all night long you’re slapping at mosquitos, while all your friends say, “Haven’t had one bite me all night.” There is a reason for this … well actually there are several reasons that scientists believe this is true, but they don’t as yet have a true scientific explanation for it.

Blood Type– In a controlled setting, mosquitos latched on to people with Type O blood nearly twice as often as those with Type A blood. Did you know that about 85 percent of people secrete a chemical signal through their skin that indicates which blood type they have?

Carbon Dioxide– Mosquitos find their target by smelling the carbon dioxide in their breath. They can detect carbon dioxide from 164 feet away.

Exercise and Metabolism-- Mosquitoes can find victims through scents like lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia and other substances expelled via their seat. They are also attracted to people with higher body temperatures. Ankles and feet have more robust bacteria colonies.

Beer– One 12-ounce bottle of beer can make you more attractive to insets.

Pregnancy– In several studies, pregnant women are more attractive to mosquitos than others.

Color of Your Clothes– Stay away from colors that stand out if you want fewer mosquito bites.

Genetics– Underlying genetic factors can account for 85 percent of the variability between people and how they attract mosquitos. However, scientists haven’t quite figured those out yet.

Natural Repellants– Scientists are trying to figure out why mosquitos are naturally not attracted a small group of people so they can manufacture bug repellant based on those criteria.