Why do Mosquitoes Bite Certain People More than Others?

Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes bite some people more than others?

Are you a mosquito magnet? If you go hiking with a group of friends, are you the only one walking home with a multitude of 'squito welts?

Thankfully, I am one of the lucky ones. I seem to be all but invisible to the little buggers. The first time I remember noticing a mosquito bite on me was when I was a teen. My ex husband, on the other hand, is not so lucky. Every time we would go hiking, he would be covered in mosquito bites, and I would be untouched. Not only were mosquitos attracted to him, but spiders and bees as well. I have never been spider bitten or bee stung, with the exception of the stepping on bees. My ex was regularly bee stung and spider bitten, even though I was outdoors much more often than he.

According to Web Md , 1 in 10 people are "highly attractive" to mosquitoes. So, why do mosquitos enjoy dining on some victims more than others? Well, genetics account for 85% of our attractiveness to mosquitos. Scientists are just beginning to scratch the surface of what exactly attracts them, but they do know that excess levels of steroids and cholesterol on the skin surface do so. That doesn't necessarily mean higher overall levels of cholesterol; it may just indicate bodies that are more efficient at processing cholesterol.

Another attractive element is production of carbon dioxide . Since larger people produce more carbon dioxide when they exhale, they are especially prone to bites. Pregnant women are more susceptible as well, since they produce significantly more carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide factor also helps explain why small children are not bitten as often as adults.

Movement and heat are also known to attract these little pests, so the next time you're at a backyard bbq, you might do well to lounge by the pool instead of playing football with the boys.

Interesting Mosquito Facts

• Mosquitos do not technically bite, since they don't have teeth.


• Only female mosquitoes "bite." Our blood is not a staple of their diet. It is only needed to produce healthy eggs. Sugar from flowers and juices is their main source of energy.


• Mosquitoes cannot transmit HIV, although they CAN transmit other potentially fatal diseases, such as malaria.

Parting notes: It is commonly believed that people who eat a lot of sugar are more prone to bites. Also, bananas are supposed culprits. However, if these rumors were true, I would be eaten alive since I love both!

So, how do scientists gather all of this data? By conducting studies with volunteers and letting mosquitoes bite them. I'm all for donating blood, but for mosquitoes? Not as much.