Scientists finally reveal why mosquitoes always seem to bite you (and not your spouse)

There are few things more irritating than sitting outside with friends, only to discover that you are apparently the sole item on the mosquito menu.

Everyone else is happily chatting away while you’re frantically slapping your ankles, scratching your arms and wondering what exactly you’ve done to deserve this.

As it turns out, the answer may be: absolutely nothing.

Scientists say the long-held belief that some people are simply “mosquito magnets” is not only real, it’s backed by science. And unfortunately, there may not be much you can do about it.

Researchers studying mosquito behaviour have found that the insects are remarkably picky diners. Female mosquitoes – the only ones that bite – use a sophisticated combination of smell, heat and carbon dioxide to decide who gets bitten and who gets left alone.

In other words, while you’re sitting there enjoying a quiet drink, a mosquito is conducting a surprisingly detailed assessment of your suitability as dinner.

For years, people have blamed blood type.

“Of course it’s because I’m O positive,” says every mosquito victim ever.

But according to researchers, there’s little convincing evidence that blood type plays a major role. Nor do mosquitoes appear particularly interested in your hair colour, eye colour or whether you look good in beige.

What they do care about is your personal chemical signature.

Scientists have identified dozens of compounds in human body odour that mosquitoes can detect. One in particular, charmingly known as “mushroom alcohol” or 1-octen-3-ol, appears to be especially attractive to the insects. People who naturally produce higher levels of the compound seem to receive more unwanted attention.

Pregnant women also appear to rank highly on the mosquito popularity charts, partly because they produce more heat and exhale more carbon dioxide.

And then there’s the bad news for beer lovers.

Several studies have found that drinking beer can make people more attractive to mosquitoes. Scientists believe this may be because alcohol increases body temperature, changes skin odour and boosts the amount of carbon dioxide we breathe out.

So if you’ve ever enjoyed a cold beer at sunset and then spent the evening being eaten alive, congratulations: science has finally caught up with your suffering.

The findings are becoming increasingly important as mosquito-borne diseases spread into new regions around the world. Researchers are working to better understand exactly what makes some people irresistible in the hope of developing more effective repellents and prevention strategies.

In the meantime, experts recommend the usual precautions: wear loose-fitting clothing, cover exposed skin, use insect repellent and avoid becoming a walking craft brewery.

As for those lucky people who never seem to get bitten?

Don’t be smug.

The mosquitoes just haven’t found you yet.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.