It’s a sweltering summer evening in Msida, and the sun has just begun to set, painting the Grand Harbour with hues of orange and pink. You’re enjoying a cold drink at one of the bustling bars along the waterfront, but there’s an unwanted guest at your table – mosquitoes. Your friend, however, seems to be mosquito-repellent personified, barely getting a bite. Why is that?

Some scientists believe that mosquitoes might have a preference for certain blood types. A study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that mosquitoes preferred type O blood over types A and B. While this might explain why some Maltese, who predominantly have type O blood, are more attractive to mosquitoes, it’s not the whole story.

Dr. Maria Attard, a local entomologist, explains, “Blood type is just one factor. Mosquitoes are also attracted to certain chemicals in our sweat, like lactic acid and ammonia. So, even if you have type O blood, if you don’t produce as many of these chemicals, mosquitoes might leave you alone.”

Malta’s Mediterranean climate, with its hot, humid summers, is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. The Culex pipiens, the most common mosquito in Malta, breeds in standing water, which is abundant during Malta’s rainy season. This means that even if you’re not a mosquito magnet, you’re likely to encounter them, especially in areas prone to waterlogging like the Three Cities or the Marsaxlokk area.

But why do some people seem to attract more mosquitoes than others? It’s not just about the blood type or the climate. It’s also about the individual.

Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, which we exhale. The more active you are, the more carbon dioxide you produce, making you a more attractive target. They’re also drawn to body heat and sweat, which is why they’re more active at night and in warm, humid conditions.

Dr. Attard adds, “Some people produce more of the chemicals that mosquitoes find attractive. This could be due to their metabolism, their diet, or even their genetics. And once a mosquito lands on you, if it finds your blood type and these chemicals appealing, it’s more likely to bite.”

So, what can you do if you’re a mosquito magnet? The Malta Tourism Authority recommends using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding areas with standing water. But locals have their own tricks too.

Maria Grech, a long-time resident of Marsaxlokk, swears by her grandmother’s remedy: “She used to make us rub fresh lemon juice on our skin before we went out. It worked wonders!” Others suggest using essential oils like citronella or eucalyptus, which mosquitoes dislike.

But perhaps the best advice comes from Dr. Attard: “If you’re a mosquito magnet, don’t despair. Mosquitoes are more active at dawn and dusk, so try to avoid being outside during these times. And remember, while they might be annoying, they’re also an important part of our ecosystem.”