Mosquitoes, midges, and horseflies are currently flourishing in the summer heat, with experts noting that certain human behaviours can increase their attractiveness to these blood-sucking insects. James Logan, a professor of medical entomology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, states that drinking beer apparently makes individuals more irresistible to mosquitoes.
Female mosquitoes require a blood meal, rich in protein, to produce eggs. These insects locate humans by detecting exhaled carbon dioxide and other body odours. Jennifer Mordue, an entomologist and emeritus professor at the University of Aberdeen, explains that midges use a conditioned response to find these odours.
Research, primarily focused on mosquitoes, indicates that individual scent is a key factor in why some people are bitten more than others. Logan notes that identical twins tend to be bitten at similar rates, while non-identical twins experience different amounts of bites, suggesting a genetic influence on attractiveness. While some evidence suggests blood type may play a role, it is considered scarce.
Washing more frequently may help reduce attractiveness to mosquitoes, as they are drawn to stale sweat. However, experts state that common myths about altering one's smell through diet, such as eating garlic or Marmite, are ineffective. Insect repellent is identified as the only reliable method to affect attractiveness.