Skip to main content Tom's Guide Tom's Guide Search Tom's Guide View Profile Newsletters Best Picks Entertainment Prime Day Deals LIVE Prime Day TV Deals Walmart Deals Prime Day Laptop Deals Switch 2 Restock Best laptops Wordle Today Best Mattress Recommended reading Stop mosquitoes in their tracks this summer with this one fragrant herb 5 household items that are causing fruit flies to invade your home — and how to get rid of them Mattress Care 5 bed bug prevention tips to protect your mattress from an infestation this summer This mosquito vaporizing gadget takes pests down with LiDAR-guided lasers in up to 6-meter kill zone This unlikely IKEA find will keep mosquitoes out of your home for under $5 Banish wasps from your backyard this summer with this $1 kitchen ingredient Mattress Care Would you be able to spot a bed bug in your mattress? 71% of Americans wouldn't — here's how Pest experts reveal the reasons mosquitoes bite certain people — and you’ll be surprised Cynthia Lawrence 12 July 2025 Must be something in the air When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Summer is here and it's the ideal time to enjoy the warm weather outdoors. And if you’ve spotted unsightly bites on your skin, mosquitoes are the most likely culprit. Wether you're at home or away on vacation, getting rid of mosquitoes is frustrating to say the least. At just 2 to 4 mm in size, these blood-sucking pests can bite you and leave behind an itchy or raised rash which can be irritating for days. But, if you’re prone to getting mosquito bites more than your partner or family members, you might be wondering why. You may like Stop mosquitoes in their tracks this summer with this one fragrant herb 5 household items that are causing fruit flies to invade your home — and how to get rid of them 5 bed bug prevention tips to protect your mattress from an infestation this summer According to pest controllers, certain people are more enticing for mosquitoes to feast on than others — and this all depends on several factors. Luckily, we’ve got the experts at hand to answer all your questions, and to reveal the reasons mosquitoes will only bite certain people. Why do mosquitos bite certain people? (Image credit: Shutterstock) Believe it or not, mosquitoes are attracted to a particular body size of a person. This is down to the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled, which attracts mosquitoes. "First, body factors do affect the menu for mosquitoes, and size plays into it," states Allan Bossel, Operations Expert at Bed Bug Exterminator. Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. "Some people give off more carbon dioxide when they breathe, and that is the main chemical that attracts mosquitoes like magnets. So if you are taller or heavier, your lungs pump out more of it." (Image credit: Shutterstock) Whether we’re dripping in sweat in a heatwave, or have just finished a daily jog, workout or physical activity, it’s probably best to jump in the shower straight away. "Sweat plays a role," states Bossel. "The lactic acid and ammonia found in sweat are two of the main attractants for mosquitoes. If you just went for a 30-minute jog and skipped a rinse, you are basically a walking mosquito lure. While daytime biting mosquitoes are increasing in range, the real pressure comes from dusk until dawn. The best way to help prevent bites is to plan ahead and be prepared with a repellent solution of your choosing that fits the occasion. If you are stationary around the table, on the porch, patio or deck, a spatial repellent like Thermacell is great to use. For those on the go, personal DEET-based sprays offer great protection." It’s important to note that only female mosquitoes feed on blood and only to breed What’s more, you’re only likely to get bitten by female mosquitoes, as they feed on blood to breed. "Mosquitoes have evolved to really be able to zero in on their targets," adds Adam Goess, Executive Director of Innovation & Insights at Thermacell Repellents, Inc. and in-house Bug Expert. "It’s important to note that only female mosquitoes feed on blood and only to breed. They are attracted to CO2 and the lactic acid on our skin. Oftentimes outdoor activities will cause us to sweat a little more or breathe a little harder, alerting mosquitoes to our presence." (Image credit: Shutterstock) Another interesting reason why mosquitoes bite certain people is dependent on their blood type. "With blood type, people with Type O blood are found to be bitten more frequently than those with Type A or B" states David Price, Associate Certified Entomologist and Vice President, Strategic Growth, Mosquito Joe. "Mosquitoes can detect blood type in markers in skin secretions, although any blood type can be bitten." So, if you are a blood Type O, what are the best ways to repel buzzing mosquitoes? "Most natural solutions work by masking the odors that mosquitoes key in on (CO2, lactic acid). Solutions like vanilla extract, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus etc., must be applied in high concentrations around every 30 minutes to see any noticeable effectiveness," advises Goess. HorbäachPeppermint Essential Oil: $5 at Amazon This pure peppermint oil is paraben free, and provides a fresh scent. Versatile to use in aromatherapy, or in an oil or reed diffuser. And while the fragrance is pleasant to our senses, it is also known to be a natural mosquito and pest repellent. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get rid of mosquitoes in your home and your yard, and you can even make your own non-toxic mosquito trap in just a few easy steps. Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender or citronella are also great, natural mosquito repellents. More from Tom's Guide 7 ways to prevent mosquito bites at night Pest experts warn you should never squash ants in your home 7 things that attract mosquitoes to your yard Shop essential oils here Deal ends in 01h 57m 46s $10.50View We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Cynthia Lawrence Social Links Navigation Content Editor, Homes As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many. With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain! You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Stop mosquitoes in their tracks this summer with this one fragrant herb 5 household items that are causing fruit flies to invade your home — and how to get rid of them 5 bed bug prevention tips to protect your mattress from an infestation this summer This mosquito vaporizing gadget takes pests down with LiDAR-guided lasers in up to 6-meter kill zone This unlikely IKEA find will keep mosquitoes out of your home for under $5 Banish wasps from your backyard this summer with this $1 kitchen ingredient Latest in Home I review home tech for a living — don't miss these 5 last-minute Prime Day deals on my top-rated Yeti, Breville and more This giant battery finally helped me electrify my garage — and it's $90 off for Prime Day Prime Day KitchenAid deals — this is your last chance to shop up to $150 off stand mixers Last chance to beat the tariffs! 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