Have you ever felt like you’re the only person getting bitten by mosquitoes while out with friends or family? While many people joke that it’s because their blood is "sweet," science tells a different story.

According to Mosquito Vanguard, mosquitoes aren't just biting at random. Female mosquitoes use your body's chemistry to decide who makes the best meal. Due to a combination of genetics, skin biology, blood type, and metabolic processes, about 20% of the population is naturally more attractive to mosquitoes.

Here are why some people are more prone to bites.

1. Unique Body Odor

Your skin's chemical composition and body odor are major attractants. People who are frequently bitten tend to produce higher levels of carboxylic acids in their skin oils. When the bacteria on your skin break down these acids, they create an odor that mosquitoes find irresistible. Because this is largely determined by your genetics, it’s not something you can easily change.

2. Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Mosquitoes can detect the carbon dioxide (CO₂) you exhale from up to 30 feet (10 meters) away. People with faster metabolic rates burn more energy and, consequently, exhale more CO₂. This is why individuals who have just finished exercising, larger people, and pregnant women, who have a faster metabolism, are often twice as likely to be targeted by mosquitoes.

3. Blood Type

While body odor and heat are primary factors, your blood type plays a role. Research from Verywell Health suggests that certain mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes mosquitoes that carry dengue fever, are more attracted to people with Type O blood. However, because most people naturally secrete substances through their skin that signal their blood type, mosquitoes can often identify their preferred targets regardless of which type you have.

4. Body Heat and Sweat

Mosquitoes use heat and sweat sensors to track their prey. They can detect the warmest areas of human skin, and chemicals in your sweat, such as lactic acid and ammonia, act as a beacon for them. Activities like intense labor or sports increase your body temperature and sweat production, effectively "inviting" mosquitoes to bite.

5. Alcohol Consumption

It might seem unrelated, but The Conversation reports that even a single beer or alcoholic drink can increase your chances of being bitten. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, pushing warmer blood toward the skin’s surface and raising your body temperature. This process alters your sweat and breathing patterns, making you a more visible target for nearby mosquitoes.

While you cannot change your genetics or blood type, you can interfere with a mosquito’s tracking system. Keeping your environment free of standing water, wearing protective clothing, and using high-quality mosquito repellent are the best ways to protect yourself from these persistent pests.