Why Mosquitos Bite Some People More Than Others
Today marks World Mosquito Day, not our favourite insect to be honest. Some people suffer with attracting more mosquitoes than others, and we’re always wondering why not.
Here are some of the reasons of why mosquitoes tend to get attracted to some more than others.
Heat and water vapor
Our bodies generate heat, and the levels of water vapor close to our skin can vary depending on the surrounding temperature.
As a mosquito gets closer to us, it can detect heat and water vapor. This can play a role in whether it decides to bite. One study found that mosquitoes move toward nearby heat sources that are at a desired temperature.
Carbon dioxide
We all emit carbon dioxide when we breathe out. We also produce more when we’re active, such as during exercise.
Mosquitoes can detect changes in carbon dioxide in their environment. Research has shown that different mosquito species may respond differently to carbon dioxide.
An increase in carbon dioxide can alert a mosquito that a potential host is nearby. The mosquito will then move toward that area.
Learning
Mosquitoes could learn to prefer a certain type of host! They may associate certain sensory cues, such as scents, with hosts that have given them a good-quality blood meal.
An older study of transmission of mosquito-borne disease found that 20 percent of hosts accounted for 80 percent of disease transmission in a population. This could mean mosquitoes are choosing to bite only a fraction of people within a population.
Body odor
Mosquitoes are attracted to certain compounds that are present on human skin and in sweat. These compounds give us a specific odor that can draw mosquitoes in.
Researchers are still investigating the causes of the variations in body odor that make certain people more attractive to mosquitoes. Causes could include genetics, certain bacteria on the skin, or a combination of both.
Body odor itself is determined by genetics. If you’re related to someone who is often bitten by mosquitoes, you may be more susceptible too. A study published in 2015 found that mosquitoes were highly attracted to odors from the hands of identical twins.
Pregnancy
StudiesTrusted Source have shown that mosquitoes appear to be more attracted to pregnant women than non-pregnant women. This may be because pregnant women have a high body temperature and exhale more carbon dioxide.