BehaviourLow risk
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others?
Quick answer
Mosquitoes find people using carbon dioxide from breath, body heat, moisture and skin odour. Skin odour varies a lot between people because of differences in skin chemistry and skin bacteria, which is the main reason some people are bitten more. Larger bodies, exercise and pregnancy increase carbon dioxide and heat. Claims about blood type or diet are less certain.
Why this happens
Female mosquitoes locate a host in stages: carbon dioxide draws them in from a distance, then heat, humidity and skin odour guide them to exposed skin.
Research on skin odour shows that some people consistently attract more mosquitoes than others, linked to compounds produced by skin and skin bacteria. These differences are fairly stable over time.
People who breathe out more carbon dioxide or are warmer — larger adults, people exercising and pregnant people — tend to be found more easily. Studies on blood type, alcohol and diet have produced mixed results.
What you can do
- Use a repellent registered in Australia, applied according to the label, on all exposed skin.
- Wear loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing at dawn and dusk.
- Use fans outdoors; mosquitoes are weak flyers and the moving air disperses carbon dioxide.
- Remove standing water around the home to reduce local mosquitoes.
What not to do
- Do not rely on eating garlic, vitamin B or bananas; there is no good evidence they change how attractive you are.
When professional help may be needed
Personal protection is the most effective step for people who are bitten a lot. Reducing breeding sites around the home helps everyone in the household.
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Local information
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Sources & further reading
- healthdirect — bites, stings and infection information — healthdirect Australia
- Queensland Health — mosquito-borne disease and environmental health — Queensland Health
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