Community Corner

Why Mosquitoes Bite You Instead of Someone Else

Did you know that mosquitoes choose some victims because of their blood type?

Patch editor Morgan Delack contributed to this report.

If you've sat outside for little league games or swim meets in the past few weeks, you've probably noticed it's mosquito season. 

Luckily, some of us seem to escape the torment of mosquitoes, while others are targeted more fiercely. Have you ever wondered why? 

That's because mosquitoes actually have a preference when choosing their next meal, according to an article from the Smithsonian.

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Grab some bug spray and invest in citronella candles if you fit into any of these categories: 

  • Type O blood
  • Wear colors that stand out
  • Have high amounts of bacteria on your skin
  • Are pregnant

According to the article, mosquitoes are more than twice as attracted to those with Type O blood than Type A. And adults get bitten more than children because they exhale more carbon dioxide over time, another attractive force for the bugs.

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Read the full article on the Smithsonian's website for even more details. 


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