Why Are Mosquitoes Attracted To Me?

What attracts mosquitoes to people? It’s not one thing by itself – it’s several factors. Your natural scent and any scents you might be wearing are big, and even your blood type might help them locate you. Some people tend to be “mosquito magnets” more than others, but female mosquitoes will gladly bite anyone when it’s time to breed.

Understanding why mosquitoes prefer certain people over others can help you reduce your chances of getting bitten. Learn more about the factors that can make you more attractive to mosquitoes, from your blood type to the color of your clothes, and discover tips on preventing mosquito bites.

1. Blood Type

Your blood type could be a key factor in why mosquitoes attract you:

What Blood Type Do Mosquitoes Like?

Mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes aegypti species, are drawn to specific blood types. Studies suggest that people with type O blood are more likely to attract mosquitoes than those with type A, B, or AB blood. Type O individuals may exude certain chemicals on their skin that signal mosquitoes that their blood is a good source for a meal. Since female mosquitoes rely on blood for reproduction, your blood type could play a role in determining whether or not you are bitten.

2. Carbon Dioxide

Every time you exhale, you give off carbon dioxide, a homing beacon for mosquitoes.

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Carbon Dioxide?

Yes, mosquitoes are highly attracted to carbon dioxide. When you exhale, they can detect the carbon dioxide from over 150 feet. The more carbon dioxide you produce, the more likely you are to be on a mosquito’s radar.

3. Body Heat

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Body Heat?

Absolutely. Mosquitoes are attracted to the warmth of your body. They use their thermal sensors to find blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, making locating where they can feed easier. This is why mosquitoes often bite areas where blood vessels are near the skin, such as your ankles, wrists, and neck. If you’ve been active and your body temperature is elevated, you may notice mosquitoes coming your way more frequently.

4. Sweat & Skin Bacteria

Sweat and the bacteria on your skin create a scent that mosquitoes find hard to resist:

Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Sweat?

Yes, mosquitoes are attracted to sweat. When you sweat, your body releases lactic acid, uric acid, and ammonia, all appealing to mosquitoes. Sweat also interacts with the bacteria on your skin to create unique odors that can either repel or attract mosquitoes, depending on the species. The more you sweat, the more likely you will become a target.

5. Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings a variety of changes to the body, some of which can make pregnant women more attractive to mosquitoes.

Does Pregnancy Attract Mosquitoes?

Yes, pregnancy can attract mosquitoes. Pregnant women exhale more carbon dioxide and have slightly elevated body temperatures, which draw mosquitoes in. As a result, pregnant women may get bitten more often than others. This is especially concerning because mosquitoes can transmit diseases like Zika and malaria, which can be harmful to both mother and baby.

6. Alcohol Consumption

Enjoying a cold beer outdoors might make you more appealing to mosquitoes.

Does Alcohol Attract Mosquitoes?

Yes, alcohol consumption can make you more attractive to mosquitoes. Studies have shown that people who drink alcohol, particularly beer, exhale more carbon dioxide and have higher body temperatures, which can draw mosquitoes in. While having a drink won’t guarantee a mosquito bite, it does increase your chances of attracting them.

7. Clothing Color

The color of your clothes can also affect how visible you are to mosquitoes.

What Color Clothes Attract Mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are attracted to dark-colored clothing. Black, navy, and red are particularly appealing to mosquitoes because these colors stand out against the horizon, making it easier for them to spot you. Wearing lighter colors like white or pastel shades can help you blend in more with your surroundings and reduce the likelihood of attracting mosquitoes.

8. Genetics

Your genes affect your attractiveness to mosquitoes, from your body odor to your immune system response.

Genetic Factors

Your genetics may determine how attractive you are to mosquitoes. Specific genes influence the chemicals your body releases, including those in your sweat and skin oils. Some people produce more carboxylic acids on their skin, which mosquitoes find irresistible. Research has also shown that people with higher levels of certain skin bacteria may be more prone to mosquito bites.

Prevention & Repellents

Now that you know why mosquitoes are attracted to you, let’s look at some of the ways you can reduce their presence with preventative measures. 

Effective Mosquito Repellents

One of the most reliable mosquito repellents is DEET. It confuses mosquitoes’ scent receptors, making it harder for them to locate you. If you’re looking for an alternative, picaridin is another strong option. Like DEET, it effectively repels mosquitoes without the pungent odor that some people find unpleasant.

For those who prefer natural solutions, lemon eucalyptus oil offers a plant-based repellent that keeps mosquitoes at bay. 

You can wear permethrin-treated clothing, which repels mosquitoes by embedding the chemical into your clothes. It provides extra protection, especially outdoors in mosquito-prone areas.

Preventive Measures

You can take simple preventive measures to further reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Start by wearing light-colored clothing, such as whites and pastels, to make yourself less visible to mosquitoes. Dark colors like black or navy attract mosquitoes, so opting for lighter shades can make a difference.

If you live in an area where mosquito-borne diseases are common, using mosquito nets while you sleep is essential for extra protection. Mosquitoes often find their way indoors, so it’s important to remove any standing water around your home. Stagnant water in birdbaths, clogged gutters, or empty pots provides an ideal mosquito breeding ground. By eliminating these sources, you can significantly reduce the local mosquito population.

Another practical step is to install window screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Finally, consider using a mosquito trap in your yard. These devices lure and trap mosquitoes, helping to reduce their numbers in outdoor spaces and create a more comfortable environment.

Need Help with Mosquito Pest Control in Your Georgia Home?

It can be confusing to know just what makes your property a haven for mosquitoes. If you want to get to the root of what attracts mosquitoes to your home or business, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional mosquito exterminator such as Active Pest Control. 

Our mosquito exterminators will determine why your yard is attractive to mosquitoes in the first place and implement a plan to get rid of them for good.