New study shows they like one smell in particular: That’s why mosquitoes only sting some people

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A pleasant evening outside often sounds more relaxed than it actually is. When mosquitoes go hunting, things quickly get uncomfortable. But not everyone suffers equally. While some people get attacked repeatedly, others get away without being bitten. But why?

It is already known that individual body odor, sweat and exhaled CO₂ attract mosquitoes. Until now, it was largely unclear what exactly is important when it comes to body odor. But a new study published in the journal CurrentBiology sheds some light. Curious: she discovered that mosquitoes especially love the smell of cheese.

Cheese attracts, eucalyptus deters

In humans, this is caused by carboxylic acids such as butyric acid, isovaleric acid and acetonine. Although these substances can form on the skin, they are also found in cheese. For example in Limburg. Connor McMeniman, who was involved in the research and is a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology, explains: “Night after night, the mosquitoes consistently chose the same human odor whose odor signature was dominated by carboxylic acids.”

The mosquitoes were therefore not very interested in one of the participants in the study. According to McMenimal, their odor signature contained no carboxylic acids. Instead, eucalyptol dominated her, which smells like eucalyptus. “The reason for this is probably that the person eats a plant-based diet,” the research professor suspects.

The study provides an exciting insight into mosquito preferences. However, only one species of mosquito has been studied, the so-called malaria mosquito (Anopheles gambiae). Scent preferences can vary in other mosquito species. Other species may be attracted or put off by other scents.

There are also preferences when it comes to soap

Unfortunately, it is difficult to influence your own body odor. But if you use the right soap, you may be able to protect yourself from the pests. Scientists at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute found that mosquitoes also have odor preferences here.

Soaps with the fragrances lilial, α-isomethylionone, allylheptanoate and 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl were found to be attractive to mosquitoes. They smell floral, woody and tropical fruit like pineapple. The reason for their appeal could be that mosquitoes feed on flower nectar. Mosquitoes are less interested in the odorants benzyl benzoate, γ-nonalactone and benzaldehyde. They smell a bit like balsamic vinegar, almonds and coconut. (Mrs)

Source: Blick