What Do Mosquitoes Like?
WouterGenerally, mosquitoes prefer to bite people with exposed skin. They are most active at dusk and dawn. They like dark colors and prefer damp areas. Their preference depends on the type of attractants released by the human body.
Some species of mosquitoes like to bite pregnant women. This is because pregnant women are in a higher temperature and produce more carbon dioxide. Other mosquitoes have a preference for certain areas of the human body, such as the ankles and the feet.
Some types of bacteria on the skin can also attract mosquitoes. These bacteria metabolize the components of sweat into odorous byproducts. This is why sweat smells different from person to person. It is also why you should never use a fragranced body wash or perfume.
While there are some people who are more attractive to mosquitoes than others, no two humans have the same microbiome. Some scientists believe that the difference in body odor is largely influenced by genetics.
In addition to the bacteria on your skin, the mosquitoes also smell your sweat. They also have a sense of heat from a few yards away.
Some female mosquitoes use a scent to select their prey. They can detect the odor of dinner up to 50 meters away. They are especially attracted to floral scents.
Another study conducted by entomologists found that a person’s body odor can be an indicator of how attractive he or she is to mosquitoes. Some of the men in the study had an especially attractive body odor. These men were found to have high levels of two particular strains of bacteria.
