Q&A: Why do mosquitoes like some people better?
My wife tends to attractmore mosquitoes, black flies, ticks, and chiggers than I do. What could cause that? —J.N., Long Lake, Minn.
Apparently she emits or wears more substances that bugs love. The main insect magnets are carbon dioxide, body heat, odor, and moisture. Physical exertion, sweat, scented products, and dark clothing (which captures heat) can all boost your insect allure by magnifying those factors. To keep bugs at bay, don’t wear fragrances, cover exposed skin, and use a repellent containing deet on exposed skin or over clothing (but not under clothing, since that increases skin absorption). You might also consider wear light-colored, loose clothes and avoid using scented products when outdoors, especially at peak feeding hours—dusk to dawn for most mosquitoes.
For more on protecting yourself from mosquitoes and ticks, see our new insect repellents report and Ratings (subscribers only).
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