Here’s Why Mosquitoes Bite You So Much

It’s not all in your head: You actually could be more attractive to mosquitoes than other people.

Emergency medicine specialist Christopher Bazzoli, MD, discusses why these blood-sucking beasts target some of us over others, and how you can avoid being bitten.

What attracts mosquitoes?

Did you know that female mosquitoes are the ones who bite humans? They need our blood to develop fertile eggs. Here’s what appeals to them.

Scented body products

Mosquitoes’ sense of smell tells them when a human target is within striking distance. And scented body products — especially those with strong floral scents — attract the blood-sucking bugs.

“Mosquitoes are attracted to our body odor, but they’re also attracted to the things we use to mask it, such as perfumes or deodorants,” says Dr. Bazzoli.

Skin care products

If you really want the mosquitoes to mind their own business, avoid using a moisturizing lotion before going outside. Many of these products contain lactic acid, which can attract them.

“Some of the products we use for rejuvenating purposes have alpha-hydroxy acids in them, which is an attractant to mosquitoes,” explains Dr. Bazzoli.

The colors you wear

Research shows that mosquitoes are drawn to certain colors like red, orange, black and cyan (a blue-green color). Any clothing you wear that sports these colors can attract mosquitoes.

“This may explain why mosquitoes are attracted to human skin, as many people have complexions that feature a red or pink undertone,” notes Dr. Bazzoli.

But the news isn’t all bad: The study also shows that wearing clothing with green, purple, blue and white could have a deterrent effect.

Your diet

Could your milkshake be bringing all the mosquitoes to the yard? If it’s a banana milkshake, it’s possible!

Some people believe that the following attract mosquitoes:

• Potassium-rich foods (like leafy greens and beans)
• Salty snacks
• Spicy foods
• Sweets

There hasn’t been any research to support those claims. But studies do show that beer and bananas can increase the chances of mozzies seeking you out.

High body temperature

Mosquitoes can pick up on your body’s thermal sensory information.

They prefer warm environments. So, if you’re feeling sweaty or overheated — or you just tend to run hot — your skin may be prime mosquito real estate.

Your blood type

A study observed that mosquitoes in a certain area seemed to prefer people with one specific blood type over others. But did they actually have a preference? And if they did, why? And do all mosquitos have those same preferences?

Scientists don’t know. One theory is that our genes affect both our blood type and other elements of our biology that attract mosquitoes. But according to Dr. Bazzoli, the jury’s still out.

Your body chemistry

High concentrations of any of the following on your skin’s surface could trigger a mosquito’s sense of smell:

• Steroids
• Cholesterol
• Carboxylic acids
• Uric acid, lactic acid and ammonia (all components of sweat)

Pregnancy

Few things switch up your body chemistry as much as pregnancy. And a 2000 study of malaria-carrying mosquitoes found they’re twice as likely to be attracted to pregnant women compared to women who aren’t pregnant.

Your breathing patterns

Mosquitoes can smell carbon dioxide, which you produce every time you exhale. Cardiovascular exercise makes you huff and puff, upping the carbon dioxide levels around you even more.

You’ll get a similar effect if you’re taking rapid, shallow breaths (tachypnea) for another reason, like asthma or an infection.

Reducing your risk of mosquito bites

While you may be attractive to mosquitoes for reasons beyond your control, you can reduce your risk of being bitten by using repellants, wearing loose-fitting clothing and staying indoors at dawn and dusk.

“While mosquitoes are best known for the pesky itching bites they leave behind, they can also carry diseases,” clarifies Dr. Bazzoli. “Therefore, it’s important to protect yourself.” He suggests doing the following to prevent mosquito bites:

• Cover up. Mosquitoes first look for bare, unprotected skin. Wearing a hat, long-sleeved shirt and pants can help.
• Dress for success. Mosquitoes have a harder time biting through loose-fitting clothing, so opt for breezy styles that cover as much of your arms and legs as possible. Sticking with white and cool tones like green and blue may help, too.
• Choose products carefully. Only buy pesticides, repellents and mosquito-control products registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). DEET-based repellents provide the best protection and come in different preparations like sprays and lotions. They’re safe for children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
• Consider DEET alternatives. Insect repellents containing picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus can be great alternatives to DEET. You can also buy clothing treated with a synthetic insect repellent called permethrin.
• Schedule around them. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If there are lots of mosquitoes around at that time, your best option might be staying inside.
• Use a mosquito net. If you’re sleeping outside or need to keep your windows open, consider using a bed net to protect you.
• Keep your yard dry. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Make sure to empty bird baths, garbage cans, buckets, flowerpots, play equipment and anything else that collects water.
• Landscape them away. Planting herbs and flowers that repel mosquitoes — like citronella, lemongrass, lavender and more — in your yard will make it a less desirable hunting ground.