In addition to carbon dioxide, mosquitoes also smell other odors. For example, they can distinguish between lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia, and other compounds emitted in sweat.

Genetic factors also affect the amount of uric acid and other substances expelled by each person. Besides, intense physical exercise increases the buildup of lactic acid in the body.

Natural bacteria also live on our skin. When mixing with sweat, they produce a certain smell.

Some studies show that the types and amount of these bacteria can influence a person’s attractiveness to mosquitoes. Experts divided the participants into 2 groups. In the first group, there were people who were bitten by mosquitoes often, in the other, those who were not. The participants of the first group had more bacteria on their skin. People in the second group had fewer bacteria, but they were more diverse.

Ankles and feet are good breeding grounds for bacteria, and this can explain why these body parts are especially attractive to mosquitoes.

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