If you've ever uttered the phrase, "Why do mosquitoes like me so much?", well – this article is for you. Because there are, in fact, real reasons why they might prefer you over your friends at the barbecue. Take, for instance, your blood type.
Heads up to our O donors out there: research shows that mosquitoes are attracted to your blood type. In a study published in the American Journal of Entomology in 2019, researchers conducted an experiment in which mosquitoes were given the option to feed on A, B, AB, and O blood types. The mosquitoes chose the Group O feeder more than any other.
That research supports the findings of another key study from 2004, which showed that mosquitoes land on people with O positive or O negative blood far more often than those with other blood types.
While mosquitoes do seem to be attracted to specific blood types, there isn't one that mosquitoes completely dislike or avoid. However, studies have found that mosquitoes are generally less attracted to individuals with Group A blood, especially when given the choice to feast on our Group O friends.
Before any A positive or A negative readers rush outside feeling impervious from blood-thirsty insects, though, it's important to note that blood type is just one component of mosquito attraction.
When it comes to finding a meal, mosquitoes actually tend to weigh a number of factors, from your genes to your... jeans. Let's take a look.
Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to human body odors, particularly compounds like lactic acid, ammonia, and uric acid that are present in sweat. These odors act as chemical cues and are heavily influenced by one's diet, hygiene, health conditions and genetics.
Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide (CO2) that humans exhale when they breathe and can detect it from a considerable distance. This helps them identify human hosts, which is great for them – and not so great for us. Another fun nugget: the more heavily we breathe, the more carbon dioxide we express. Take note, runners!
Mosquitoes have heat-sensing organs called thermoreceptors, which allow them to detect changes in temperature. They are attracted to sources of warmth, such as the heat emitted by humans and other animals. They're also drawn to parts of the body where heat is emitted, such as the head, neck, and extremities. These areas often have higher surface temperatures, making them prime targets for mosquito bites.
Moms know. Pregnant women tend to have slightly higher body temperature (see above) and are affected by hormonal changes that alter the chemical composition of their sweat in a way that mosquitoes seem to love.
Mosquitoes are also attracted to certain colors, such as dark colors like black and navy blue. Something to think about this summer!
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