Why Do Mosquitoes Bite Some People More Than Others? The Science Behind Being a “Mosquito Magnet” in Lanzarote
If you’ve ever sat outside enjoying a warm evening in Lanzarote while everyone else seems untouched, yet you’ve ended up covered in itchy bites, you’re not imagining it. Scientific research shows that mosquitoes really do prefer some people over others.
With the recent hot weather across the Canary Islands, mosquito activity often increases, leaving many residents and tourists wondering why they seem to be the insects’ favourite target. Here’s what the science says.
Why are mosquitoes more active in hot weather?
Warm temperatures speed up a mosquito’s life cycle, allowing them to breed more quickly and become more active. Although Lanzarote doesn’t usually experience the same mosquito numbers as more humid destinations, periods of higher temperatures and any standing water can increase local populations.
Why do mosquitoes prefer some people?
Researchers now believe that your natural body chemistry is one of the biggest reasons.
Everyone has a unique scent produced by bacteria living naturally on the skin. These bacteria create different chemical compounds, and some of these are far more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Recent research suggests these skin odours are a much stronger factor than many of the common myths people believe.
Things that can make you more attractive to mosquitoes
Several factors can increase your chances of being bitten:
Carbon dioxide
Mosquitoes can detect the carbon dioxide we breathe out from surprisingly long distances. People who naturally exhale more carbon dioxide—such as taller adults, pregnant women or those exercising—may attract more mosquitoes.
Body heat
If you naturally have a warmer body temperature or you’ve just been exercising, mosquitoes can detect the extra heat and are more likely to investigate.
Sweat
Fresh sweat itself isn’t the problem. It’s the chemicals released through sweat, including lactic acid and ammonia, that mosquitoes find appealing.
Your skin’s natural bacteria
Scientists have found that people with higher levels of certain naturally occurring skin compounds, particularly carboxylic acids, receive significantly more mosquito bites than others. This appears to be largely genetic and isn’t something you can easily change.
Clothing colour
Dark clothing such as black, navy and dark green can make you easier for mosquitoes to spot, especially during the evening. Wearing lighter colours may reduce your chances of attracting them.
Does blood type matter?
You’ve probably heard that people with Type O blood are mosquito magnets.
Some studies have suggested mosquitoes may show a slight preference for Type O blood, but scientists say the evidence is mixed. Your body odour, skin chemistry, body heat and the carbon dioxide you exhale appear to play a much bigger role than your blood type.
Only female mosquitoes bite
Here’s an interesting fact: male mosquitoes don’t bite humans at all.
Only female mosquitoes feed on blood because they need the extra protein to produce eggs. Male mosquitoes survive on nectar from flowers.
How to reduce mosquito bites in Lanzarote
Whether you’re on holiday or live on the island, you can lower your chances of being bitten by:
- Using an effective insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or another approved active ingredient.
- Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing during the evening.
- Avoiding standing water around homes and holiday accommodation where mosquitoes can breed.
- Using fans when sitting outdoors, as mosquitoes are weak fliers.
- Showering after exercise if you’ve been sweating heavily before spending time outside.
The bottom line
If you always seem to get bitten while everyone around you escapes untouched, it’s probably not your imagination.
Modern research suggests your natural body odour, skin chemistry, body heat and the carbon dioxide you exhale are the biggest reasons mosquitoes find you irresistible. While you can’t change your genetics, taking a few simple precautions can make evenings outdoors in Lanzarote much more comfortable.
