Rockefeller Study Links Skin Acids to 100-Fold Gap in Mosquito Attraction
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 10
Rockefeller Study Links Skin Acids to 100-Fold Gap in Mosquito Attraction
2 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 10
Summary
Rockefeller University researchers found mosquitoes strongly preferred skin-odor samples from people with higher levels of carboxylic acids, after testing nylon sleeves worn by 64 volunteers for six hours.
The team calculated an attractiveness score in which the most mosquito-prone person ranked 100 times higher than the least attractive, and those differences stayed stable for years despite lifestyle changes.
The findings add to evidence that mosquitoes first home in on carbon dioxide, heat and moisture, then use skin scent at closer range to decide whom to bite.
Experts say myths such as “sweet blood,” garlic or vitamin B lack support; proven protection still centers on repellents like Deet, picaridin or PMD, plus covering exposed skin.