How Mosquitoes Choose Their Next Meal

Written by Morgan Delack

Mosquito season is upon us. Anyone who has been out for a hike in the redwoods or on a camping trip is painfully aware of this biting summer reality.

It seems the pesky bugs swarm the moment a warm body walks outside. But the Smithsonian reports mosquitoes actually have a preference when choosing their next meal.

According to a Smithsonian post, there is a hierarchy when it comes to who’s blood to suck.

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

• Type O blood
• Wearing colors that stand out
• High amounts of bacteria on the skin
• Pregnant

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

The Santa Clara County Vector Control District regularly performs ground fogging operations to suppress adult mosquitoes.