By EXCITE MY

Why Do Mosquitoes Bite? The Surprising Science

Mosquitoes may be tiny, but they cause a big buzz every summer. Ever wondered why they always seem to pick you instead of your friend sitting right next to you? Let’s dive into the surprisingly fascinating science of mosquito bites.

  1. Only Females Bite
    Fun fact: it’s only the female mosquito that bites. Males are perfectly happy living off nectar and plant juices. Females, on the other hand, need the protein in blood to produce eggs. Without a blood meal, they can’t reproduce.

  2. Why They Love Some People More
    Some people swear they’re mosquito magnets — and they’re right. Research shows that mosquitoes are drawn to certain body chemistry. They follow signals like:

    • Carbon dioxide: Every time you exhale, you release CO₂ — their number one tracking system.
    • Body heat: The warmer you run, the more appealing you are.
    • Sweat: Lactic acid in sweat is like perfume to mosquitoes.
    • Clothing color: Dark clothes stand out against the horizon, making you easy to spot.
  1. What Happens When They Bite
    When a mosquito pierces your skin, it injects saliva to thin your blood and make feeding easier. That saliva is what causes the itching, redness, and swelling we all know too well. For some, it can trigger bigger allergic reactions.

  2. More Than Just an Itch
    In many parts of the world, mosquito bites aren’t just a nuisance — they’re a health concern. Mosquitoes can carry diseases like malaria, Zika, or dengue. While that’s less of a worry in North America, it’s a good reminder of why preventing bites matters.

  3. How to Fight Back
    Luckily, there are ways to avoid becoming their midnight snack. Wearing light colors, using fans, and avoiding peak mosquito hours are easy tricks. For added protection, plant-based repellents like Buganic stickers use natural oils to mask the scents mosquitoes use to track you — no sprays, no chemicals, no mess.

The Bottom Line

Mosquitoes may be relentless, but they’re not unbeatable. By understanding why they bite (and why they pick you), you can take smarter steps to avoid them. Next time you’re outside, you’ll know how to stack the deck in your favor — and keep the buzz where it belongs.

👉 Protect yourself naturally with Buganic stickers