So, you think you're special just because mosquitoes seem to hover around you more than your friends? Spoiler alert: it's not a testament to your charm. Lady mosquitoes, it seems, are non-discriminatory vampires wanting a juicy blood meal to feed their babies. According to Katie M. Westby, PhD, MSPH, is this thirst for blood or is your skin putting out the kind of potent cocktails that skeeters can't resist?

But before you go painting yourself a martyr, remember, your blood-curdling admirers are not just fedora-sporting bugs with an unusual palate. They can often be disease-spreading agents carrying delightful payloads like Zika, West Nile, malaria, and dengue. No, they don't make mosquito-borne diseases a common affair in the United States, but they never forget to send postcards from Florida and Texas whenever there's a surge in dengue fever cases.

Of the buzzing population of 200 mosquito types the U.S. hosts, about 12 have a knack for making people sick. Call the rest harmless if you like, but the endless itching and hideous bumps they leave behind aren't exactly harmless, are they?

Let's get down to business: how do these miniature Draculas decide whose blood to suck and how can you get off their VIP list?

First, they zero in on that carbon dioxide you're rudely breathing out. It's like inviting a vampire into your house by breathing. Fascinating stuff. Dr. Clément Vinauger, a mosquito researcher, says this gas is their trigger, indicating a potential host. They have developed a pretty overachieving CO2 sniffing ability, picking up on the gas from 30 feet away. Pregnant folks or those pumping iron, pumping out more CO2, basically roll out a red carpet for mosquitos from a distance.

Secondly, mosquitoes are color snobs. They have a thing for certain hues that help them spot humans. According to a 2022 study, they are big fans of orange and red, which they can pick on humans regardless of skin tone. But don't overestimate their vision. They don't see the world in 4K resolution like you do. For them, it's all about contrast: the darker your clothes, the more you stand out against the sky, the more striking you are to these pests.

But remember, mosquitoes have a thing for heat. They have a built-in thermal sensor and apparently, dark colors suck up more heat. So if you're the sweating type, wearing black is like sending an open invite to the mosquito clan.

Smell is another deal-breaker for mosquitoes. Your body odor, how your skin naturally smells, all factor into your attractiveness to mosquitoes. Cue carboxylic acids, natural compounds on our skin that mosquitoes seemingly can't resist.

Scented soaps? They may help, but the verdict isn't in yet. While some studies suggest your soap could change your "odor profile," it's unclear which scents really work in your favor. Floral and fruity might not be your friends here, while coconut could be the unassuming hero.

If you thought bacteria on your skin wouldn't stir the pot, guess again. They're contributing to your aroma too, making you that much more attractive to these bugs.

Before you start scrubbing your skin raw, remember: you can't win them all. Even if you ace your smells, clothes, and CO2 levels, mosquitoes can turn your yard into a staycation resort if you have standing water and humid spots around your home, as Westby says. Her solution? Get rid of the standing water, cut down the greenery, and make a mozzie demotivational poster. Still got them? Try a DEET-based repellent.

Remember, be it an aroma that clouds of mosquitoes reckon irresistible or your stunning fashion sense, it's not personal. It's just that mosquitoes and their dinner preferences do lean towards the quirky side. Play by these rules, and you might make it through the summer without becoming a mosquito banquet.