Why do mozzies bite some people over others? Here’s the truth!
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We've all experienced it—spending a summer evening outdoors, only to come back home covered in itchy mosquito bites.
Meanwhile, there's that one friend who seems to be mosquito-proof.
Have you ever been left scratching your head (and, naturally, other parts of your body) trying to figure out why some mozzies just target you over others?
Social media user and dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, who goes by the handle ‘Derm Guru’, discussed several scientific explanations for mosquitoes’ preferences for certain people’s blood.
The first factor is sweat. Female mosquitoes, who feed on mammalian blood (blood from mammals like humans, dogs, and cats), rely on sweat as the primary indicator to locate their feast.
Dr Zubritsky pointed out: ‘Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and people who have a higher temperature. (Mosquitoes) are particularly attracted to things like ammonia, uric acid, lactic acid, and so people who exercise quite a bit are more likely to get bit by mosquitoes.’
The second factor is if you are a beer lover.
‘Other things that can make you more susceptible to mosquito bites is drinking a beer. The study found that just drinking one 12-ounce (350ml) can of beer can make you more attractive to mosquitoes,’ Dr Zubritsky said.
A video where Dr Zubritsky explains why some people are more attracted to mosquitoes than others. Video source: TikTok (@dermguru)
The third factor to consider is the presence of bacterial colonies.
‘The type and the number of bacteria that live on our skin can make us more or less attractive to mosquitoes. That also explains why we are more likely to get bit[ten] on the ankles because there are more robust bacterial colonies in those areas,’ she said.
In another video, Dr Zubritsky explained additional factors that might make humans more appealing to mosquitoes.
She said, ‘Mosquitoes tend to find that people with blood type O are way tastier than any of the other blood types.’
‘Another thing, mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. The heavier you breathe, the more attractive you’re going to be. People who are larger or more obese tend to breathe more often and breathe more carbon dioxide, and therefore are more attractive to mosquitoes.’
Lastly, believe it or not, even the colours of your clothes can make a difference!
‘The colour of clothing you choose may influence whether or not you get bitten,’ explained Dr Zubritsky.
‘Darker colours like black and green are easier for mosquitoes to spot, so if you want to avoid getting bitten, consider wearing a lighter colour like white.’
Members, who among you find yourselves frequently targeted by mosquitoes? Do any of the factors mentioned above sound like they could be the reason? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and if you have any tips for keeping mozzies at bay, we’re all ears!
Meanwhile, there's that one friend who seems to be mosquito-proof.
Have you ever been left scratching your head (and, naturally, other parts of your body) trying to figure out why some mozzies just target you over others?
Social media user and dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, who goes by the handle ‘Derm Guru’, discussed several scientific explanations for mosquitoes’ preferences for certain people’s blood.
The first factor is sweat. Female mosquitoes, who feed on mammalian blood (blood from mammals like humans, dogs, and cats), rely on sweat as the primary indicator to locate their feast.
Australia is home to over 300 mosquito species. Image source: Pixabay
Dr Zubritsky pointed out: ‘Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat and people who have a higher temperature. (Mosquitoes) are particularly attracted to things like ammonia, uric acid, lactic acid, and so people who exercise quite a bit are more likely to get bit by mosquitoes.’
The second factor is if you are a beer lover.
‘Other things that can make you more susceptible to mosquito bites is drinking a beer. The study found that just drinking one 12-ounce (350ml) can of beer can make you more attractive to mosquitoes,’ Dr Zubritsky said.
A video where Dr Zubritsky explains why some people are more attracted to mosquitoes than others. Video source: TikTok (@dermguru)
The third factor to consider is the presence of bacterial colonies.
‘The type and the number of bacteria that live on our skin can make us more or less attractive to mosquitoes. That also explains why we are more likely to get bit[ten] on the ankles because there are more robust bacterial colonies in those areas,’ she said.
In another video, Dr Zubritsky explained additional factors that might make humans more appealing to mosquitoes.
Mosquito-borne diseases annually claim millions of lives globally, disproportionately impacting children and the elderly in developing nations. Image source: Pixabay
She said, ‘Mosquitoes tend to find that people with blood type O are way tastier than any of the other blood types.’
‘Another thing, mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. The heavier you breathe, the more attractive you’re going to be. People who are larger or more obese tend to breathe more often and breathe more carbon dioxide, and therefore are more attractive to mosquitoes.’
Lastly, believe it or not, even the colours of your clothes can make a difference!
‘The colour of clothing you choose may influence whether or not you get bitten,’ explained Dr Zubritsky.
‘Darker colours like black and green are easier for mosquitoes to spot, so if you want to avoid getting bitten, consider wearing a lighter colour like white.’
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