If you feel like mosquitoes are always after you while your friends sit bite-free, you’re not imagining things. Scientific research shows that mosquitoes really do prefer some people over others, and your blood type might be one reason why.
In this article, we’ll explore:
-
Other biological and lifestyle factors that make you a target
- Are mosquitoes attracted to the newly discovered Gwana blood type?
Let’s dive in.
The Role of Blood Type in Mosquito Attraction
According to studies, mosquitoes are about twice as likely to land on people with blood type O than on those with type A. Type B tends to fall somewhere in between.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
| Blood Type | Mosquito Attraction Level |
|---|---|
| O | Very High |
| B | High |
| A | Moderate |
A 2004 study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that mosquitoes landed on people with type O blood 83.3% of the time, compared to 46.5% for type A.
Why Does Blood Type Matter?
It’s not just what’s in your blood, it’s what your body puts out. Around 85% of people secrete their blood type antigens through their skin. Mosquitoes use these chemical signals to detect your blood type and decide whether to land on you.
So if you’re a “secretor” with type O blood, you’re basically sending out a scent trail mosquitoes love to follow.
Other Factors That Attract Mosquitoes
While blood type plays a role, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Mosquitoes rely on multiple sensory cues to find their next meal. Here are some of the most influential factors that make someone a mosquito magnet:
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Mosquitoes can smell the CO₂ you exhale from over 10 meters away. The more you breathe out—especially during physical activity—the more likely you are to be targeted. Larger people and pregnant women tend to produce more CO₂, making them frequent victims.
Body Heat and Infrared Radiation
As mosquitoes get closer, they use their thermal sensors to detect body heat. If your skin is warm or flushed, you’ll stand out even more—particularly around heat-prone areas like your forehead, hands, and feet.
Sweat and Lactic Acid
Your sweat is packed with chemical cues like lactic acid, ammonia, and uric acid that mosquitoes find delicious. Even after you cool off, dried sweat leaves a scent trail that continues to attract them.
Skin Bacteria and Natural Body Odor
Everyone has a unique “odor profile” shaped by skin bacteria. Some people naturally produce odors that mosquitoes prefer. Areas with more bacteria—like ankles and feet—are especially vulnerable.
Dark Clothing
Mosquitoes are visual hunters. They tend to fly low and rely on sight to pick targets. Dark-colored clothing like black, navy, or red absorbs more light and stands out, helping mosquitoes home in on you more easily.
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol can subtly change your body chemistry. Even a single drink has been shown to make people more attractive to mosquitoes—possibly due to increased skin temperature or changes in sweat composition.
A New Blood Type: Gwana
In 2024, scientists identified a new blood group system called "Gwana", named after the patient in Tanzania in whom it was first discovered. This rare blood type is not part of the traditional ABO or Rh systems and was found during complications in a blood transfusion. The Gwana blood type involves a previously unknown antigen on red blood cells, making it extremely rare and difficult to match. While there's no current evidence linking the Gwana blood type to mosquito attraction, its discovery underscores how much we still have to learn about human blood and how it might influence our interactions with the natural world, including insect behavior.
How to Protect Yourself, no Matter Your Blood Type
If you have type O blood—or just happen to be a frequent target—don’t panic. You can still enjoy the outdoors without turning into a mosquito buffet.
Stop Moustique’s all-natural mosquito repellent forms an invisible barrier using the power of garlic-based compounds to keep mosquitoes and ticks away. It’s kid-safe, pet-safe, and doesn’t harm pollinators or plants—making it a perfect solution for families, events, and eco-conscious households.
Final Thoughts
Yes, mosquitoes really do have a type. And if yours is Type O, it might be time to double up on your defenses.
But no matter your blood type, you don’t have to suffer through itchy bites. With the right protection, you can take back your yard, your patio, and your summer—mosquito-free.
Ready to protect your home naturally?
Shop Stop Moustique now