The Bloodsucker’s Choice: Why Some People Are Mosquito Magnets

This peculiar preference mosquitoes display isn’t random—there’s fascinating science behind why mosquitoes are more attracted to certain individuals. In this article, we’ll dive into the factors that make someone like me a mosquito magnet and why others, like my wife, can enjoy a summer evening largely pest-free.

1. Carbon Dioxide: Mosquitoes have receptors that can detect carbon dioxide, which humans and other animals exhale. People who exhale more carbon dioxide, such as larger individuals or those engaged in physical activity, are more likely to attract mosquitoes. This is particularly true for mosquito species like Aedes aegypti, which are major vectors for diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus (Foster, 1995).
2. Body Heat and Moisture: Mosquitoes are attracted to body heat and moisture, such as sweat. The warmth gives them cues about the presence of a potential host. Human sweat contains chemicals such as lactic acid, urea, and ammonia, which are attractive to mosquitoes. Studies have shown that these compounds stimulate olfactory receptors in mosquitoes, making them more likely to bite (Verhulst et al., 2011).
3. Skin Bacteria: The microbial composition on human skin plays a significant role in mosquito attraction. Different types of bacteria break down sweat into volatile chemicals. A study published in the journal PLOS One found that individuals with a higher abundance but lower diversity of bacteria on their skin are generally more attractive to mosquitoes (Verhulst et al., 2011).
4. Blood Type: Research has indicated that people with Type O blood are more attractive to mosquitoes than those with other blood types. A study in the Journal of Medical Entomology suggests that certain blood types can emit signals through skin secretions that mosquitoes are more likely to detect and find appealing (Shirai et al., 2004).
5. Genetics: Genetic makeup can influence the amount and types of substances people emit through their skin, which can affect mosquito attraction. Genetic traits can determine body odor compounds that are attractive or repellent to mosquitoes (Fernandez-Grandon et al., 2015).
6. Clothing Color: Mosquitoes use vision to spot hosts from a distance. Dark colors, such as black and navy blue, are more likely to attract mosquitoes because they stand out and retain more heat compared to lighter colors, making them more visible to mosquitoes (Cott, 1940).

These factors combine to explain why mosquitoes might prefer to bite certain individuals over others. Understanding these factors can help in developing better strategies for mosquito control and protection.

References:

• Foster, W. A. (1995). Mosquito Sugar Feeding and Reproductive Energetics. Annual Review of Entomology, 40, 443-474.
• Verhulst, N. O., Qiu, Y. T., Beijleveld, H., Maliepaard, C., Knights, D., Schulz, S., Berg-Lyons, D., Lauber, C. L., Verduijn, W., Haasnoot, G. W., Mumm, R., Bouwmeester, H. J., Claas, F. H., Dicke, M., van Loon, J. J., Takken, W., Knight, R., & Smallegange, R. C. (2011). Composition of Human Skin Microbiota Affects Attractiveness to Malaria Mosquitoes. PLOS One, 6(12), e28991.
• Shirai, Y., Funada, H., Takizawa, H., Seki, T., Morohashi, M., & Kamimura, K. (2004). Landing Preference of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) on Human Skin Among ABO Blood Groups, Secretors or Nonsecretors, and ABH Antigens. Journal of Medical Entomology, 41(4), 796-799.
• Fernandez-Grandon, G. M., Gezan, S. A., Armour, J. A., Pickett, J. A., & Logan, J. G. (2015). Heritability of Attractiveness to Mosquitoes. PLOS One, 10(4), e0122716.
• Cott, H. B. (1940). Adaptive Coloration in Animals. Methuen & Co. Ltd.