Why do I get bitten by mosquitoes but others don’t? Here’s what a new study says
- A new study has found that skin bacteria and body odour are why mosquitoes bite some people more than others.
- Researchers discovered that each mosquito species has distinct preferences for human scents.
- The study, published in the journal iScience, involved nearly 120 volunteers in Miami, Florida, where their skin scents, chemical makeup of odours, and skin bacteria were analysed.
- Findings showed that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes had a slight preference for male participants, while Aedes albopictus was attracted to specific scents such as ketones.
- Scientists believe that skin bacteria convert sweat and natural oils into odours detectable by mosquitoes, while researchers say the findings may help develop new types of mosquito repellents.
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