Are some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others?

Yes, some people are more attractive to mosquitoes that other people. This has been well established in many studies. It is less clear why this is true. Exactly what repels or attracts mosquitoes is still being studied. People with higher levels of cholesterol on their skin apparently attract more mosquitoes. This doesn't mean these people have higher cholesterol levels in their blood. Just the opposite, actually. They may be more efficient at processing cholesterol. Some fragrances from hair sprays, perfumes, deodorants and soap may be masking natural chemical cues. Your color of clothing may have a small effect. Dark colors capture heat and make most people more attractive to mosquitoes. Light colors refract heat and are generally less attractive. In most cases, only the mosquito knows why one person is more attractive than another. Here is more from FAQ Farmer Marcy: The other poster is correct partially correct. It's not all that hard to figure it out. It has to do with body chemistry. Some people have an acrid faint smell to their skin (we can't smell it) while others have a sweet smell which the mosquitoes just love. Men and women should not use perfumed soap or perfume and even body lotions can attract mosquitoes by smell. Hair sprays and gels are another sweet smelling odor. Men should try to stay away from after shave and certain strong scented soaps. Hornets or wasps are attracted by some people's body chemistry, but also by color. If out in the garden it's best to wear white and not bright colors. If you are highly allergic to hornets or wasps it's best to garden in a light rain (even put the water sprinkler on during the early evening) as most bugs don't like the water including mosquitoes. Bees generally will not harm a person unless one sits on one or smacks one on their arm. Bees can crawl up your arm or sit on your hand and do no harm. Wear mosquito repellent, but careful of the DEET in certain brands as there are suspicions that DEET can cause some types of cancer.