What attracts Mosquitoes
It's not just good looks
CARBON DIOXIDE
BODY HEAT
SCENTED PRODUCTS
BLOOD TYPE
DARK CLOTHING
CARBON DIOXIDE
BODY HEAT
SCENTED PRODUCTS
BLOOD TYPE
DARK CLOTHING
It's not completely random
Mosquitoes don't bite at random - they're guided by powerful cues our bodies naturally give off. From your breath to your body heat, sweat and even the colours you wear, these tiny signals make you easier to find.
1. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) - the strongest attractor. All humans exhale CO₂, and mosquitoes can sense it from more than 20-50 metres away. More CO₂ = more attraction. You produce more CO₂ when: exercising being warm, breathing heavily, drinking alcohol, being pregnant.
2. Body heat & Skin temperature. Mosquitoes can detect warm-blooded hosts through infrared heat sensors. People with slightly higher body temperatures attract more bites.
3. Skin chemicals and body odour. Your skin releases hundreds of compounds. Some attract mosquitoes, especially: Lactic acid (in sweat), Ammonia, Urea, Fatty Acids, Carboxylic acids. These vary genetically - which is why some people are "mosquito magnets" and others are not.
4. Perfume, lotions and scented products. Floral, fruity, or sweet fragrances can attract certain mosquito species.
5. Alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol increases skin temperature and CO₂ output and can change your odour chemistry - all of which can increase bites.
6. Pregnancy. Pregnant women exhale 20% more CO₂ and tend to run warmer, making them more attractive to mosquitoes.
7. Blood type. Studies show mosquitoes land more often on people with Type O blood. Type A tends to attract fewer bites.
8. Sweat & moisture. Mosquitoes are drawn to damp skin because moisture helps carry attractive chemicals. More sweat = more attraction, especially after exercise or in hot weather.
9. Bacteria on your skin. The skin microbiome affects how you smell. Certain bacteria produce compounds mosquitoes love. More bacteria = stronger scent.
10. Dark clothing. Mosquitoes rely on contrast and movement when searching for hosts. Dark colours (black, navy, dark red) attract more because they stand out against the horizon.
Flies
Mosquitoes
Ticks
Land Leeches
Midges
Flies
Mosquitoes
Ticks
Land Leeches
Midges