Why mosquitoes bite some people more than others?

ISLAMABAD:  It is often observed that some people are repeatedly bitten by mosquitoes while others are relatively safe. According to experts, this difference is not a coincidence, but the result of a combination of physical, genetic and environmental factors.

Experts say that only female mosquitoes bite humans because they need blood to fertilize their eggs. Mosquitoes determine their prey through various sensory signals, the most important of which is the carbon dioxide that humans exhale.

According to research reports, people who exhale large amounts of carbon dioxide, such as physically active people, pregnant women or overweight people, are more attractive to mosquitoes.

In addition, the specific smell of the body also plays an important role. Chemical compounds released from the skin make some people more attractive to mosquitoes.

Genetic factors also have an effect in this regard. Experts say a large part of the attraction to mosquitoes is hereditary, with some people being more susceptible than others. Furthermore, certain blood types, especially type O, are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.

Lifestyle and environment also play a role. Increased temperatures after physical activity, sweating, drinking alcohol, and wearing dark-colored clothing can make mosquitoes more attractive, making some people more likely to be bitten.

Experts say that some people also release chemicals from their bodies that help keep mosquitoes away, which is why mosquito bites affect each person differently.

As a result, mosquito bite sensitivity is a complex biological process that arises from the interaction of body chemistry, genetics, and the environment, and that is why each person experiences it differently.