Mosquitoes bite some people more than others largely due to genetic and biochemical factors that make some individuals more attractive to them. Key reasons why mosquitoes might bite one person and not another, such as a husband versus a wife, include differences in:
- Blood type: Mosquitoes are especially attracted to people with Type O blood nearly twice as much as Type A or B.
- Carbon dioxide output: Larger people or those who exhale more CO2 attract more mosquitoes.
- Body heat and metabolism: People with higher body temperature or who produce more lactic acid and other substances in sweat attract mosquitoes more.
- Skin bacteria: The types and amounts of bacteria on the skin can either attract or repel mosquitoes.
- Activity and clothing: Mosquitoes are drawn to movement and dark colors.
Thus, if one person has Type O blood, higher CO2 output, warmer skin, certain skin bacteria, or has recently exercised (all potentially more than the other person), they will get bitten more often, while the other person might rarely get bitten.
