Science explains: why do some people attract more mosquitoes than others?

Mosquitoes are small details that can become a major source of discomfort for people. Its constant presence, especially during hot summer nights, can disturb sleep and cause discomfort.

The annoying sound of mosquitoes buzzing as they fly around can be enough to drive anyone to the brink of madness. In addition to hearing discomfort, mosquitoes are also known for their bites painful and unbearable experiences.

Furthermore, some mosquitoes transmit serious diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika and yellow fever. Their bites can transmit these diseases, posing a threat to public health in many parts of the world.

However, recently a study showed that there is a reason why mosquitoes are attracted. That’s right! Apparently, they don’t just bite a person out of habit, but there is something that catches their attention.

That’s exactly what we’re going to discover next.

Image: Freepik/Reproduction

After all, what attracts mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are creatures notoriously attracted to human skin and, according to research carried out by John Hopkins University, this attraction is closely linked to a series of substances present in our skin.

One of the main reasons why these insects pursue us so hard is the presence of oily secretions. These secretions, popularly known as “sebum”, play an important role in protecting the skin against microbes and maintaining its health.

Sebum is a substance rich in lipids that serves as a natural barrier against skin dehydration and helps prevent the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. However, for mosquitoes, this sebum is a real feast.

They are attracted to the combination of chemicals found in it, such as fatty acids and volatile compounds that emit specific odors and signal to mosquitoes the presence of a food source.

Therefore, when mosquitoes are attracted to human skin, they are actually seeking these substances that indicate a rich source of nutrients.

This is one of the reasons why some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others, that is, due to variation in individual skin characteristics and the composition of the sebum present in each individual’s skin.

Are there people who attract fewer mosquitoes?

Yes. People with high levels of carboxylic acids and eucalyptol in their body composition may be less attractive to mosquitoes due to some chemical properties of these compounds.

Firstly, we have the carboxylic group, which is a group of organic compounds and has an acidic or vinegary smell. Since mosquitoes are sensitive to odors, this acidic smell is not attractive to them.

The same happens with high levels of eucalyptol, a compound present in several plants. It has a fresh, minty scent and is often used in products such as lotions and insect repellents.

However, it is important to note that the attraction or repulsion of mosquitoes to body chemicals may vary from person to person due to a number of factors, including genetics, dietphysical activity levels and even the environment in which a person finds themselves.