What Attracts Mosquitoes the Most?
WouterHaving a basic understanding of what attracts mosquitoes can help you avoid the diseases they can transmit to you. You can also reduce your risk of mosquito-borne illnesses by following simple prevention tips.
Mosquitoes are blood-sucking parasites. They are most active at dawn and dusk. They are attracted to a variety of factors, which include body heat, lactic acid, salt, and carbon dioxide.
Some species of mosquitoes are attracted to pregnant women. Because pregnant women are warmer and produce more carbon dioxide than other people, they are more attractive to mosquitoes.
Other factors that can make you more attractive to mosquitoes are your blood type, the way you breathe, and your genetics. They also may be attracted to the microbiome of your skin.
The microbiome of your skin contains a variety of bacteria that can metabolize sweat components. These substances are released into odorous byproducts that mosquitoes find appealing.
The color of your clothing can also affect how often you get bitten. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. If you want to be more protected from mosquitoes, wear light-colored clothes during warm weather.
Some people also have a characteristic smell that mosquitoes find attractive. The smell is caused by a combination of genetics and the microbiome of your skin. You may also be attracted to certain types of deodorants and perfumes.
A study published in 2011 found that people with high diversity of microbes on their skin were less attractive to mosquitoes. A smaller study published in 2002 found that drinking alcohol increases the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled by people.
