Mosquitoes are attracted to a variety of factors, including:

• Carbon dioxide: Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that humans and other animals emit when they breathe.

• Body odor: Mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia, and other substances that the body releases when sweating. People with higher levels of certain compounds called carboxylic acids on their skin are also more attractive to mosquitoes.

• Heat: Mosquitoes are attracted to heat because it means food. Exercise raises body temperature, making people more attractive to mosquitoes.

• Clothing: Mosquitoes use visual cues to find potential meals, so people wearing dark clothing that contrasts with the horizon may be more attractive to mosquitoes. Breathable fabrics such as cotton also provide easier access for mosquitoes to get to the skin underneath.

• Beer consumption: Multiple studies have shown that beer consumption can make humans more attractive to mosquitoes.

• Blood type: The question of whether mosquitoes prefer a certain blood type is controversial, but some studies suggest that people with type O blood may be more attractive to mosquitoes.

To avoid attracting mosquitoes, people can take steps such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using insect repellent, and eliminating sources of standing water in their yards.