If mosquitoes always seem to find your partner before you, it’s not just bad luck.
Mosquitoes are drawn to certain people more than others due to how they track down their victims using chemical signals. These signals, which come from substances like CO₂, lactic acid, acetone, and ammonia, are released through our breath and sweat. This was reported by the Danish science magazine Illustreret Videnskab.
How strong these signals are depends on the person, and those who produce more of them are the ones who end up with more bites.
Why Do Some People Attract Mosquitoes More?
Several factors come into play when determining who mosquitoes find most appealing:
Body Chemistry: The levels of chemicals like CO₂ and lactic acid that you produce can vary based on genetics and metabolism. Mosquitoes can sense these chemicals from a distance, making certain people irresistible targets.
Genetics: A study on twins found that mosquito preferences are partly genetic. Our genes influence the production of up to 270 different volatile substances that can attract mosquitoes.
Bacteria on the Skin: The diversity of bacteria on your skin plays a role as well. People with a high diversity of skin bacteria tend to be less attractive to mosquitoes, while fewer bacteria can make you more prone to bites.
Diet and Lifestyle: What you eat and drink can also have an impact. For instance, consuming bananas and beer has been linked to attracting more mosquitoes.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women are more frequently bitten because they produce more heat, exhale higher levels of CO₂, and have a faster metabolism, all of which draw in mosquitoes.
What Attracts Mosquitoes?
CO₂: The amount of carbon dioxide you exhale is a key factor. People with a higher metabolism, such as those who are physically active or pregnant, exhale more CO₂ and tend to attract more mosquitoes.
Body Odors: Both sweat and naturally occurring body odors play a role. Your unique scent, influenced by genetics, can be more appealing to mosquitoes.
Food and Drink: Mosquitoes are more likely to bite after you've consumed certain foods and drinks, like bananas or beer, which can alter your body’s chemical output.
Bacteria: The more diverse your skin’s bacterial community, the less likely you are to be targeted by mosquitoes.
So, while some people may always seem to get bitten more, it’s not personal—it’s just their chemical makeup that mosquitoes can’t resist!
