Do Mosquitoes Prefer Some Humans to Others?

You’re the only one at the BBQ swatting mosquitoes and gnats. You feel crazed and look like a lunatic with flailing arms, yet the rest of your peers are sitting pretty, sipping their drinks calmly and collectedly. So, why is it that apparently they only want to swarm you? Is it your scent that they’re attracted to, your “sweet blood,” or perhaps the pattern on your shirt?

The Skinny on Skin

According to Joe Conlon, PhD and Technical Advisor to the American Mosquito Control Association, Researchers have yet to pinpoint exactly what individuals’ mosquitoes find ideal, mainly because it’s an extremely laborious process with over 400 different compounds to examine. What they HAVE concluded, however, is that certain elements of our body chemistry – when found in excess on the skins’ surface – will make mosquitoes flock.

Other experts agree and cite that the following people tend to be more susceptible to a female mosquitos’ bite (Factoid: only females bite, males do not!):

1. People with high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin surface.
2. People who produce certain acids, such as uric acid.
3.  Any type of carbon dioxide, which puts larger people and pregnant women more at risk, as they produce a greater-than-normal amount of exhaled carbon dioxide.

The Side Effects of Working Out

Mosquitos sense movement and will make a “bee-line” for you if you’re walking outside, or working out. The reason being is the same - mosquitos are attracted to carbon dioxide, and when you’re panting, or breathing heavy, the smell of carbon dioxide on your breath lures them closer. Dr. Conlon says they can smell it over a long distance, even from an impressive 50 meters away. The same is true for the lactic acid that is excreted from your sweat glands, making you just one delicious chemical cocktail for consumption.

Make Your Own Natural Spray & Keep the Bugs Away!

Don’t want mosquitoes to stop you from getting your daily exercise in, but don’t like using chemicals like DEET that’s used in most traditional bug sprays? You’re not alone. DIY it and make your own natural insect repellent with ingredients that you can buy at any grocery or wellness store today. It’s simple enough to do and websites such as Chemistry at about.com will give you step-by-step instructions to make your own healthy, homemade concoction.