A new study found evidence that mosquitoes prefer the skin of specific humans due to a specific compound found in sweat called carboxylic acid.
, which didn’t necessarily attract mosquitoes on its own. However, when paired with other chemicals found in sweat such as ammonia and lactic acid, it becomes a mouth-watering cocktail for thirsty mosquitoes.
To confirm these inklings, the study’s authors collected odor samples from 64 different people by using a nylon sock worn on their arm. They then removed the socks and exposed them to a swarm of mosquitoes. Later, after breaking down the chemical composition of the nylon socks, the researchers found that the mosquitoes tended to be more attracted to the humans who had higher levels of carboxylic acids.
The authors also note that this tends to be a “fixed” trait too. That means that if your sweat contains more carboxylic acid, it might just be that way for your entire life. There is some good news though: If you’re around other people outdoors anddon’t exude more of the acid, mosquitoes are going to flock to the poor folks who do and mostly avoid you!
“Mosquito preferences matter more in a group setting,” the study’s authors wrote. “The ‘mosquito magnet’ in the group may receive the most bites, leaving the less attractive humans largely untouched. This suggests that mosquitoes distinguish the scent of two human samples using cues that exist along a continuum.”
This research will likely play a very important role in the fight against mosquito-borne illnesses that claim more than a million lives a year, according to the
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