If it sometimes feels like mosquitoes are targeting you more than everyone else, scientists say there’s a reason. These insects don’t choose randomly — they follow specific biological cues that make certain people more attractive than others. Mosquitoes are among the most dangerous insects in the world because they can spread serious diseases. Researchers have long tried to understand why some people get bitten more frequently, and entomology professor Jonathan F. Day from the University of Florida believes carbon dioxide plays the biggest role.
Mosquitoes use carbon dioxide to locate potential blood sources. People with higher metabolic rates naturally produce more CO2, making them easier for mosquitoes to detect. The more carbon dioxide you release — through breathing, exercise, or physical activity — the more attractive you become.
But CO2 isn’t the only factor. Once mosquitoes get closer, they rely on secondary cues such as lactic acid released through sweat, body heat, and even visual contrast. Wearing dark clothing can make you more visible against the horizon, increasing your chances of being targeted, while lighter colors may help reduce attention.
Dermatologist Melissa Piliang from the Cleveland Clinic also notes that exercise, alcohol consumption, pregnancy, and body composition can influence how appealing someone is to mosquitoes. These factors affect body temperature and chemical signals, which mosquitoes use to decide where to land and bite.
While you can’t completely avoid mosquitoes, using repellents, wearing light clothing, and minimizing exposure during peak mosquito hours can significantly reduce your chances of getting bitten.
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