Nothing can ruin a summer’s night barbecue like the sudden appearance of mosquitoes. Yet, you may notice that some people get bitten while others remain completely unharmed. Your friends could be sitting right next to you blissfully unaware of these pests while you spend the entire night swatting at your face. There are actually several factors that determine whether you will suffer from mosquito bites or not. Let’s discover the source of your mosquito bite woes below!

8 Reasons Why Mosquitos Bite Some People More Than Others

Research has shown that around 20% of individuals are targeted by mosquitoes while generally ignoring the rest. [1] Some factors that put you at risk include your breathing, clothing, blood type, and bacteria commonly found on human skin. Let’s dive deeper into these and other factors that make you more susceptible to mosquito bites.  

Your Blood Type

If you have Type O blood, you are likely to be favored by the Asian tiger mosquito. On the other hand, march mosquitoes are particularly attracted to those with Type AB blood group. Approximately 80% of the human population releases a secretion that signals their specific blood type. mosquitoes appear to favor those who release this secretion, regardless of what blood type group they belong to. [2]

The amount of Carbon Dioxide You Breathe Out

Humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes are able to sense carbon dioxide from very far away. The more carbon dioxide you release, the more likely you are to suffer from mosquito bites. Larger individuals are more likely to get bitten, as they release more carbon dioxide than those around them. The reason you find yourself slapping your head continuously at the barbecue is because of the carbon dioxide we release through both our mouths and noses. 

Body Heat and Sweat

You may have noticed that you tend to get bitten most when exercising outdoors on a warm day. This is because mosquitoes are attracted to the heat our bodies release. We also tend to sweat a lot when we are warm, and mosquitoes are likewise attracted to the compounds in the sweat, such as ammonia and lactic acid. [3] So, if you plan to be outside on a hot day, it is best to apply mosquito repellant. Your body odor is also determined by your genetics, so you are likely not the only one in your family that suffers from mosquito bites!

Skin Bacteria

The surface of the human skin is covered in microscopic life, such as bacteria. These bacteria emit a particular smell when they mix with human sweat, which in turn attracts mosquitoes. The number of mosquito bites a person may get is largely dependent on the amount and type of bacteria present on their skin. The feet and ankles are both places where bacteria can grow easily, hence why we are so often bitten there. [4]

Pregnancy

In 2000, a study was undertaken in Africa that found that twice the amount of mosquitoes bit pregnant women compared to those that were not pregnant. This is due to two factors that we have already discussed above – heat and carbon dioxide. Pregnant individuals are typically one degree warmer than their counterparts. Pregnant women also exhaled 21% more carbon dioxide than those who were not pregnant. 

Alcohol

A study undertaken in 2002 researched if there was any correlation between alcohol consumption and mosquito bites. What they found was that mosquitoes were significantly more attracted to individuals who consumed a liter of beer as compared to those who drank a liter of water. [5] The researchers are still uncertain why this occurs, though. They could find no connection between alcohol consumption and carbon dioxide exhalation. If you plan on attending a picnic or concert, you may want to apply repellent before drinking!

Diet

What you eat may also be making you a tasty treat for mosquitoes. They are particularly attracted to individuals who have eaten spicy, salty, sweet, or potassium-filled foods. The University of Wisconsin found that mosquitoes were particularly fond of people who had eaten a banana. An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a banana will attract mosquito bites!

Color

Mosquitoes also seem to be attracted to dark colors, so you may want to avoid dark-colored clothing – especially black. It is thought that they are able to see dark and green colors more easily than grey or white. This is because they tend to gravitate towards darker color surfaces in studies. Therefore, you may want to opt for beige or another light color for your outdoor stroll. 

The Bottom Line 

If you are the type of person who is constantly attacked by mosquitoes, you may feel that it is simply your fate to suffer from mosquito bites. However, as we have seen above, there are many factors that determine whether you are a worthy candidate for being bitten. Some of these factors can be dealt with, such as by choosing light clothes and staying cooler. However, if you are pregnant or tend to sweat a lot, you may want to try some bug repellant to keep you safe from mosquito bites.