Mosquito bite attraction linked to human odor, CO₂ and metabolism, researchers say

Scientists explain why some people attract mosquitoes more than others. About a hundred of the 3,500 known mosquito species bite humans, and only a handful transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue or Zika. The insects use carbon‑dioxide exhaled by humans as the first signal, then detect body heat and a complex mix of odorous compounds produced by skin microbiota.

A recent study identified 27 odor molecules that influence attraction, with higher levels of 1‑octen‑3‑ol observed in pregnant women and in individuals who have consumed alcohol, which raises body temperature and CO₂ output. The researchers stress that blood type, skin colour or hair colour do not determine susceptibility. Ongoing work aims to pinpoint which compounds could be used to develop better repellents or traps.