Ever felt like mosquitoes have a personal vendetta against you? Like you’re the main course at their all-you-can-eat buffet, while your mates sit there bite-free?
Well, turns out there’s actual science behind why some people are practically walking mosquito magnets.
First things first, mosquitoes aren’t just annoying; they’re deadly little critters. They spread all kinds of nasty viruses, and entire countries have taken serious action to try and curb the risks.
So yeah, your itchy bites aren’t just an inconvenience; they’re a reminder of how dangerous these bugs really are.
But why is it that some people end up covered in red, swollen bites while others don’t get touched?
According to Jonathan F. Day, an entomology professor at the University of Florida, it all comes down to how tasty you smell; and no, we’re not talking about your aftershave.
Day says the biggest factor is carbon dioxide (CO₂). People with faster metabolisms naturally breathe out more of it, and that’s like ringing the dinner bell for mozzies. The more CO₂ you give off, the more attractive you are.
And it’s not just humans, even cars give off CO₂, which is why mosquitoes use other signals to decide who’s worth biting.
One of those signals is lactic acid, the stuff your muscles produce when you exercise. That’s why heading out for a run on a summer evening can feel like volunteering as tribute in The Hunger Games.
Mosquitoes are also guided by their vision; they fly low to dodge the wind and spot you against the horizon. If you’re rocking dark clothes, you’ll stand out more and basically be glowing like a neon “Free Blood Here” sign.
And once they land? That’s when body heat comes into play. Some people naturally run warmer, meaning blood is closer to the skin and easier for the insects to get at. Warm bodies = prime real estate for bites.
Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic, also points out that being pregnant, overweight, drinking alcohol, or exercising can make you more appealing to the buzzing bloodsuckers. Basically, anything that raises your temperature or makes you sweat is like spraying yourself in 'Eau de Mosquito.'
So if you’re planning to crack open a beer, hit the gym, or spend your summer evenings in dark clothes, just know you might be setting yourself up as the main snack.
Your best bet? Stick to light colours, keep cool, and maybe don’t hang out where the mozzies do their worst.