Are You a Mosquito Magnet?

Mosquitoes are drawn to all people, said Christopher Potter, an associate professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. But if you find yourself flitting them away more frequently than those around you, it’s possible you’re one of the unlucky ones who is inherently more tempting to mosquitoes.

There is not a single, definitive reason some people get bitten more than others.  But experts have identified two main categories of factors that make us more attractive to mosquitoes: biological aspects we can’t change and behaviors we can.

Your biology

Chief among the first group of factors is how you smell.  Dozens of diverse molecules distributed throughout your body come together to create your unique odor.  And it’s likely this distinctive mix of chemical compounds that draws mosquitoes in, he said.

It’s also possible that some people emit more of the odor that mosquitoes like.  Mosquitoes are sensitive to different types of smells, especially forearm odor.  They are also attracted to sebum, a waxy, oily substance on the skin that protects it from drying out and contains molecules that contribute to your odor.

Blood type may also matter, said Dr. Christopher Bazzoli, a wilderness medicine specialist. Mosquitoes seem to gravitate toward people with Type O blood, he said, for reasons researchers haven’t confirmed.

The individual pattern of how you breathe also plays a role. Mosquitoes seek out carbon dioxide which in part is why they’re so good at finding us.  The more we exhale, the more carbon dioxide we send into the air inviting bugs our way.

Sweat

If you were to do a vigorous workout outside, you might breathe more heavily and exhale more carbon dioxide, which might usher in mosquitoes.  Sweat sends a powerful signal to mosquitoes, particularly sweat that’s lingered for a few hours mixing with bacteria on our skin.

And if you’ve had a few beach-side beers or happy hour margaritas, you might also emit some alcohol in your sweat,  which can lure mosquitoes in.

Prevention

There are a few evidence-based strategies for warding them off.

Some fragrant personal care products including sunscreens can attract mosquitoes.  So try to use products that are fragrance-free, and consider skipping perfume completely.

Certain clothing colors like black and dark blue can act like a mosquito magnet, and perhaps also bright oranges and reds. Stick to lighter colors,  long sleeves and pants. For added protection, you can also get clothes treated with permethrin, an insecticide that kills mosquitoes on contact.

A number of insect repellents can help keep mosquitoes at bay, in part by effectively masking the smell of your skin, Dr. Potter said. Wirecutter recommends those that contain picaridin instead of DEET.

 

There are also electronics and gadgets like specialized string lights or gear made by the company Thermacell that may help clear mosquitoes from the outdoor space around you.

Or, you can try a simple trick recommended by Dr. McBride: Grab a fan and point it under a table since mosquitoes love to linger near the ground and bite our feet. They struggle in a breeze because they’re not good fliers.