Mosquitoes: Why Do They Bite Me More Than You?

Countless studies have been conducted on what causes mosquitoes to be 'attracted' to our skin, and more so, why they choose to bite us. A new study published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE sheds more light on this intriguing issue and reveals several findings that explain why some people get bitten by mosquitoes more than others. 

Previously, reasons such as body structure (heavier people get more bites), alcohol consumption habits (beer and alcoholic drinkers), and pregnant women were thought to be factors. However, this time scientists claim the reason lies in genetics. The experiment involved about 18 pairs of identical twins and 19 pairs of non-identical twins. The participants were instructed to place their hands on a hollow tube, at the other end of which a mosquito was placed. 

Research: Mosquitoes are attracted to one body scent more than another (Photo: Shutterstock)

Soon, the scent of the participants' hands reached the mosquito's 'nostrils', causing it to respond accordingly: when the scent attracted it, it settled on the hand and began to 'suck' from it, while when the scent repelled it, the mosquito moved away. When asked what makes one body scent more preferable than another, researchers indicated it involves certain parasites living on our bodies that emit the scent. 

Another interesting finding from the research was that identical twin pairs emitted the same scent. Now, researchers continue to delve into our genetic mechanisms to derive additional significant findings that could aid in the development of new repellents against mosquito bites.