Being attractive can be a good thing, unless the species you attract are mosquitoes. These pesky insects can put a damper on your parade, picnic or outdoor activity. And while any human could become their next blood meal, they seem to prefer certain people. If you’re one of the unlucky ones, you may want to know why—and if there’s anything you can do to make yourself less appetizing.
Body Heat & Sweat
Mosquitoes are drawn to human heat sources and lactic acid, a substance your body uses to produce energy while you exercise. Being outdoors when the temperature is high makes you an accessible heat source, and when you work up a sweat, you increase your odds of attracting mosquitos. Studies show they’re especially fond of bacteria that may grow in abundance on your ankles and feet.
Alcoholic Beverages
Although the proteins in your blood are what they’re after, mosquitoes like you better when you’ve been drinking. Research is mixed on the reasons for this, but there’s no doubt that consuming alcohol invites more mosquitoes your way.
Carbon Dioxide
People naturally exhale carbon dioxide while breathing, which mosquitoes can sense in the atmosphere. If you’re a heavy breather, you’re probably emitting a lot of carbon dioxide and unintentionally calling out, “Dinner time,” to nearby mosquitoes.
Wardrobe
While they may not care whether you’re sporty, casual or boho-chic, mosquitoes seem to prefer certain colors. According to research in the journal Nature Communications, mosquitoes are drawn to the colors red, orange, black and cyan. Some experts believe their color preference also applies to skin tones, particularly red and pink hues.
Perfumes, Lotions and Potions
Some scents may deter mosquitoes, including lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus and more. However, certain skin products, such as deodorant, lotion, floral perfume and beauty treatments containing alpha hydroxy acids, can make you bug bait.
How to Tell Mosquitoes to Bug Off
Although mosquitoes will always see people as prey, you can reduce your chances of being bitten and take precautions to keep them away. Wearing long sleeves and pants, fabrics treated with insect repellent, or the colors green, purple, white and blue, might help. In addition, wearing products containing DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus are shown to be effective deterrents. It’s important to remember that itchy, red bumps aren’t the worst that can happen when mosquitoes bite. Mosquitos carry and transmit diseases, including West Nile virus and dengue, which can be dangerous to humans.