There are thousands of mosquito species, but only about 100 bite people, Riffell says. They choose who to bite “by focusing on the cues that we’re providing,” he explains.
Breath, Body Heat, and Sweat
Even from a distance, mosquitoes can detect how much carbon dioxide we release when we exhale, Riffell says; higher levels attract them.
Once the insects get closer, they gravitate toward people with higher body temperatures. They also love the scent of sweat.
These cues get amplified when you’re more active, Riffell says. As your heart rate increases, you’re exhaling more carbon dioxide, producing more heat, and perspiring more — and you become really attractive to mosquitos.
Mosquitoes seem to be drawn to particular components of sweat, such as ammonia, uric acid, lactic acid, and, particularly carboxylic acids, levels of which vary from person to person, Riffell says.
One study published in 2019 found that lactic and carboxylic acids in sweat are necessary for mosquitoes’ attraction to humans. Another paper published in 2023 found that mosquitos exhibit preferences for certain scents, particularly related to carboxylic acids and carbon dioxide.
“Those of us who are ‘super attractors’ have more carboxylic acids in our body odor,” Riffell says. “However, researchers are still trying to identify the specific compounds involved in attraction, and these may differ among individuals.”
Skin Microbiome
Your skin microbiome — which includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, oils, and other substances — can also contribute to a mosquito’s attraction to you, Riffell says.
Your microbiome, along with your sweat, produces a unique scent, which may draw the insects, but scientists are still understanding the relationship.
Alcohol
That afternoon Chardonnay or sunset martini can make you more enticing to mosquitoes. When you drink, your heart rate increases, your blood flow increases, and you might sweat more, all of which can intensify your mosquito magnetism, Riffell says.
An as-yet-unpublished study drafted in 2025 suggested that mosquitos may be especially attracted to beer drinkers. “Mosquitoes may simply be drawn to the unique smell of a Heineken pilsner,” among other possible contributing factors, the authors suggest.
Blood Type?
Some older research has suggested that mosquitos may prefer to bite people with type O blood over people with types A, B, and AB. But Riffell says the evidence on the relationship between blood type and mosquito attraction is unclear. One study finding a link was retracted.
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