What Makes You Prone to Mosquitoes?
WouterWhether you’re walking around in a tropical paradise or you live in a place where you’re prone to mosquitoes, knowing what makes you attractive to them can help you reduce your risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases. There are many different factors that contribute to a person’s body odor, and researchers are still unsure of how exactly these factors affect a person’s attraction to mosquitoes.
One of the most common factors affecting a person’s body odor is their genetics. Genetics can affect how much sweat you produce, and the types of substances you produce. The more sweat you produce, the more attractive you are to mosquitoes.
Another factor that plays a role in a person’s body odor is the bacteria that lives on the skin. These bacteria metabolize sweat components and release them into odorous byproducts. Some mosquito species are attracted to certain types of bacteria. The bacteria found on people with high body odor can also explain why some mosquitoes prefer to bite certain areas of the body.
Another factor that plays a role is your blood type. Researchers have found that people with Type O blood tend to be more attractive to mosquitoes than those with Type A blood. Other genetic factors may influence how much sweat you produce. People with higher metabolic rates may also attract mosquitoes.
People who are pregnant have a higher body temperature. They release more carbon dioxide and sweat than people who aren’t pregnant.
