Mosquitoes May Prefer Type O Blood

Ever wondered why mosquitoes seem determined to bite you while leaving everyone else alone? Your blood type could be part of the answer. Some early studies have shown mosquitoes demonstrating a preference for Type O blood over Type A or B — but that’s only one piece of the puzzle.

Mosquitoes don’t actually know your blood type before they bite. Instead, they home in on a combination of clues, including the carbon dioxide you exhale, your body heat, chemicals in your sweat, and even the unique community of bacteria living on your skin. Once they land, compounds associated with certain blood types may encourage them to stick around. Pregnancy, alcohol consumption, genetics, and even the color of your clothing can also make you more appealing to these tiny bloodhounds.