Scientists haven't narrowed down exactly why some people are more appetizing than others, but they have a few ideas. Click through the gallery for some hints on becoming less delicious.
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Cool off —
Mosquitoes are attracted to an abundance of chemical compounds in your body, including carbon dioxide, according to Dr. Lyle Petersen, director of the division of vector-borne infectious diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Protection. We're not usually ones to advocate inactivity, but mosquitoes are also attracted to sweat and heat, Petersen says. More specifically, they're attracted to the lactic acid in your sweat. Do your workout indoors to avoid getting infected by something other than runner's high.
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Skip the stinky cheese —
Contrary to popular belief, consuming garlic, vitamin B12 or bananas has no impact on mosquito biting, according to the American Mosquito Control Association. That said, one study did show the pungent Limburger cheese to be attractive to these gourmet bugs.
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Keep the air moving —
Mosquitoes aren't strong flyers, the American Mosquito Control Association says, so having a fan on when you're relaxing on your deck or patio could prevent them from landing on their target... a.k.a. you.
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Stay indoors —
Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, called culex mosquitoes, are most active at dusk and dawn, Petersen says. But other types of mosquitoes are active all day long, so your best bet is to stay inside.
Christine Hoyer/NPS
Avoid alcohol —
People who drink beer are more attractive to malaria mosquitoes, a 2011 study found. While scientists don't know if that applies to other insects (or other types of alcohol), steering clear of the beer could help.
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Use protection —
Just kidding. But a 2000 study did find that pregnant women are twice as attractive to mosquitoes as nonpregnant women because they emit more carbon dioxide and have a higher average body temperature. So if there's already a baby on board, cover up and use bug spray.
