It’s a warm summer evening in Msida, and you’re enjoying a drink at one of the bustling bars along Triq San Pawl. Suddenly, you notice your friend swatting away mosquitoes like a pro boxer, while you, on the other hand, are barely getting bitten. You’re not alone in wondering, “Why am I a mosquito magnet?” Let’s look the science behind these pesky critters’ preferences.

Research has shown that mosquitoes have a preference for certain blood types. Type O is the most attractive to the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is prevalent in Malta, followed by Type B. If you’re Type O, like around 45% of Maltese, you might be feeling a bit unlucky right about now. But don’t worry, there’s more to the story than just blood type.

Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, which we humans exhale. The more you exhale, the more mosquitoes you attract. So, if you’re a heavy breather, or have a higher metabolic rate, you might be attracting more mosquitoes. But don’t start holding your breath just yet, it’s not that simple.

Other factors like body heat, sweat, and the bacteria on our skin also play a role. Some people, like those with a higher body mass index, may produce more heat and sweat, making them more attractive to mosquitoes. And let’s not forget about the bacteria on our skin – mosquitoes are attracted to the bacteria we carry, which is why they’re more attracted to some people than others.

Certain fragrances can attract mosquitoes, while others repel them. If you’re wearing perfume or aftershave with sweet or fruity notes, you might be unintentionally luring mosquitoes to you. On the other hand, mosquitoes are repelled by strong, pungent smells like garlic, citrus, and lavender. So, if you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors, you might want to reconsider your fragrance choices.

But what about those people who seem to attract mosquitoes no matter what they do? It could be due to a combination of factors, or it could be that they’re simply producing more of the attractants mosquitoes are looking for. Either way, it’s a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially in Malta where diseases like West Nile virus and Dengue fever have been reported.

• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Install window screens and use mosquito nets to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Eliminate standing water around your home, as it can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Consider using mosquito traps and other control methods to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area.

Remember, while some people might be more attractive to mosquitoes than others, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from their bites. So, go ahead and enjoy that drink at Triq San Pawl, but don’t forget to wear your insect repellent!