Do Beer Drinkers Have a Higher Chance of Being Bitten by a Mosquito?

Yes, actually. Beer drinkers produce a chemical odor that attracts mosquitoes, at least the variety that carries malaria. The chemical attraction can happen with other mosquitoes, aside from the beer-loving malaria kind, as well. Humans and other mammals give off lactic acid and carbon dioxide gases, which mosquitoes can sense from as far away as 100 feet (36 meters). This fact may have led to the old wive's tale about mosquitoes preferring sweet blood.

More bloodletting facts:

• Only female mosquitoes bite. The males do not have the long proboscis with which to impale victims.


• The females don't suck the blood to feed themselves — mosquitoes actually live off sugary plant nectar; the blood is to feed the female's eggs.


• More than 3,000 species of mosquito inhabit our planet.


• The average mosquito lifespan is two weeks to six months.


• An old wive's tale claiming garlic will work as a repellent may be correct! Recent studies have shown that garlic extract is a very strong larvicide — it killed 100% of five different species in lab testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do beer drinkers really attract more mosquitoes?

Yes, studies have shown that consuming beer can increase your attractiveness to mosquitoes. One study found that mosquitoes landed on beer drinkers significantly more than on their sober counterparts. The exact reason isn't fully understood, but it's thought that alcohol may increase body temperature or change the chemical signature of sweat, making individuals more detectable to mosquitoes.

How much beer makes you more susceptible to mosquito bites?

The quantity of beer that increases susceptibility to mosquito bites isn't precisely defined, but research indicates that even a single bottle of beer can make a difference. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, volunteers who consumed just 350 milliliters of beer saw an increase in mosquito landings compared to those who did not drink any alcohol.

Can the type of beer you drink affect mosquito attraction?

While research has focused on the general consumption of beer, there is no conclusive evidence that the type of beer affects mosquito attraction. Factors such as alcohol content, ingredients, and individual body chemistry likely play a role, but more specific studies would be needed to determine the impact of different types of beer on mosquito behavior.

Are there other factors that make some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others?

Absolutely, factors such as blood type, body heat, carbon dioxide emission, and even genetics can influence mosquito attraction. For instance, people with Type O blood are found to be more attractive to mosquitoes than those with Type A, B, or AB blood. Additionally, pregnant women and individuals with higher body temperatures are also more likely to be bitten.

What can beer drinkers do to reduce the risk of mosquito bites?

Beer drinkers can take several measures to reduce mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wearing long sleeves and pants, avoiding peak mosquito activity times (dusk and dawn), and using mosquito nets or fans can also help keep these pests at bay.

Is it just beer that increases mosquito attraction, or do other alcoholic beverages have the same effect?

While the most notable studies have focused on beer, there is some evidence to suggest that other forms of alcohol might also increase mosquito attraction. Alcohol consumption can lead to increased body odor and sweat, which can attract mosquitoes. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between different alcoholic beverages and mosquito behavior.