They’re small, silent, and merciless. And unlike sharks, bears, or snakes, mosquitoes have been the deadliest animal on Earth for millennia.
Each year, over 1 million people die from mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, dengue, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. That’s more than any other creature. And while they may seem like mere summertime pests to many, their legacy is woven deep into the fabric of human history.
Dr. Timothy C. Winegard, a historian and author of The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator, joined Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN’s Chasing Life podcast to explain just how lethal — and sophisticated — these buzzing hunters are.
“They’ve shaped empires, changed wars, and they continue to kill,” Winegard said. “And 85% of what makes someone attractive to mosquitoes is genetic.”
Still, there are ways to keep yourself off the mosquito menu. Here are Winegard’s top 5 survival tips:
1. Ditch the Drinks
Alcohol doesn’t just loosen you up — it makes you glow… for mosquitoes.
“Drinking raises your body temperature,” Winegard explains, “which makes you a walking heat signature.” Since mosquitoes use thermal (infrared) vision, that extra warmth helps them lock onto you faster. He suggests skipping the beer and choosing water or lemonade instead, especially if you’re outdoors.
2. Cool It — and Keep It Light
Mosquitoes are heat- and scent-seeking missiles. They can smell carbon dioxide from over 200 feet away, and your heavy breathing after a jog is like ringing the dinner bell.
Staying physically cool helps reduce the CO₂ and body heat that draw them in. Your wardrobe matters, too. “Dark colors retain heat,” Winegard says. “Wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing can make a difference.”
3. Armor Up Right
The go-to weapon? Insect repellent. But most people apply it like perfume — and that’s a mistake.
“Mosquitoes will find that one missed spot on the back of your leg,” Winegard warns. “Be thorough.”
Look for repellents with DEET, still the gold standard, or oil of lemon eucalyptus if you prefer a plant-based option. For added protection, consider clothes pre-treated with permethrin, an insecticide designed for fabrics.
4. Evict Standing Water
Every mosquito starts life in water — and they’re not picky about where.
“A single bottle cap filled with water can be enough,” Winegard says. That means you should drain gutters, plant saucers, birdbaths, and even toys left in the yard. Clean up water-logged soil and empty anything collecting rainwater.
“Mosquito moms are industrious,” he adds. “Don’t make it easy for them.”
5. Smell Less Nice, Except Your Feet
Counterintuitive? Yes. Effective? Also yes.
“Scented soaps, lotions, and deodorants attract mosquitoes,” Winegard explains. “So skip the fragrances.”
Even more bizarre: being a little smelly might help. “Skin bacteria levels make you less attractive to mosquitoes,” he says. “Being too clean might work against you.”
But there’s one exception: wash your feet.
“The bacteria on feet is the same kind used to ripen cheeses,” Winegard notes, “and mosquitoes can’t resist it.” That’s why bites often cluster around ankles and toes. Clean feet are your secret weapon.
Bonus Fact: They Prefer O-Positive
Think you get bitten more than others? You’re probably not imagining it.
“Blood type O is their favorite,” Winegard confirms. People with Type O blood are bitten about twice as often as those with Type A. Type B falls somewhere in between.
“They’re not going after you because of your hair color or skin tone,” he clarifies. “But your blood? That’s personal.”
From empires to backyards, mosquitoes have never stopped reshaping the world. And while you can’t change your blood type, you can outsmart them — just a little.
Because when it comes to summer survival, it’s not the big predators you should fear.
It’s the one whispering near your ear.