Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others? Here’s the Science Behind It

Have you ever been curious why, out of all people sitting next to each other, mosquitoes always tend to bite one specific person and completely ignore everyone else? While it may look like a total coincidence, scientists claim that there are several biological indicators which mosquitoes use in order to recognize their targets. 

Mosquitoes Detect Your Biological Indicators 

Mosquitoes can sense the presence of carbon dioxide (CO₂) being emitted when people exhale. This indicator allows them to identify potential victims from a distance. Once closer to their victim, mosquitoes use other indicators, including odor, heat and moisture. 

Each person has his or her own distinctive smell. The bacteria, present in people's bodies, interact with the substances that our body produces, thus generating various chemicals. Studies show that certain carboxylic acids in human skin can attract Aedes aegypti mosquitoes specifically. 

What is important, this is not to be confused with the poor hygienic habits of people who get bitten more frequently. Our body odor depends on our individual genetic code, skin microbiome, and body chemistry.

Why Do Mosquitoes Become More Aggressive after Exercising? 

After you have just exercised, you might realize that mosquitoes will attack you more aggressively. The first reason for that is physical exertion, which can lead to increased body temperature, sweating and respiration rate, thus, making mosquitoes spot you easier. 

Does Blood Type Play Role? 

Often, when we talk about reasons why some individuals become more attractive to mosquitoes, we mention blood group. Although some research states that mosquitoes can prefer to bite people with O blood type, there is no proof that it plays role for scientists. 

In the same way, being pregnant may increase your attractiveness to mosquitoes since during pregnancy females produce more CO₂ and their body temperature changes. But again, this may happen under certain conditions for different mosquito species. And does it matter whether your blood is sweet or not? There is no scientific evidence for that.

How Can You Prevent Getting Bitten? 

You can minimize contact with mosquitoes by covering yourself with clothing and especially avoiding exposure in the evenings and at night. Screened windows and doors, draining standing water from your surroundings and using mosquito repellent if necessary will also help.
One other interesting fact – only female mosquitoes bite people. Females need blood to lay eggs, whereas males live mostly on plant nectar.

Thus, when mosquitoes have chosen you as their favorite victim, bear in mind that it is not always about luck and much more about chemicals you emit with your body.