What Attracts Mosquitoes to Humans?

Female mosquitoes feed on human blood in order to produce their eggs. They don’t consume blood directly but use it as a component to manufacture eggs.

Some compounds, such as lactic acid, which is found in human sweat attracts mosquitoes to human skin. In one experiment, lactic acid attracted 90% of mosquitoes to humans.

It’s believed that genes play a role in attracting mosquitoes. In one experiment, identical twins got almost a similar number of mosquito bites.

Movement and body heat attracts mosquitoes as well.

Higher levels of cholesterol of the skin was found to be among the factors that attract mosquitoes. This can lead to more mosquito bites.

If your skin produces excessive uric acid, you are more likely to attract mosquitoes to you. (See Why flies are so annoying?)

It’s believed that people who release a larger amount of CO2 are more likely to attract mosquitoes.

The blood type O is believed to attract mosquitoes more than other blood types.

Alcohol drinkers were found to be attractive for mosquitoes. The reason behind that is still unknown.

Exercising produces heat, sweat and lactic acid. This makes the person who exercises very attractive to mosquitoes.

Being overweight or having a big body attracts mosquitoes. When a person’s body is large, he releases more carbon dioxide and so attracts more mosquitoes.

People who have high concentrations of steroids on their skin are more likely to attract mosquitoes. (See Why do flies sit on humans?)

The Bacteria on our skin helps in releasing some chemicals that creates a scent that appeals to mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are attracted to pregnant women because they release as much as 21% more carbon dioxide in late pregnancy stages.