VERIFY: Are mosquitoes more attracted to certain blood types? Here's what experts say - WCNC

What the report says

WCNC.com’s VERIFY report examined a common summer question: whether mosquitoes are more attracted to people with certain blood types. The outlet framed the issue around mosquito season and the broader public-health risk posed by the insects, noting that mosquitoes are estimated to kill about 700,000 people worldwide each year through the diseases they can spread.

Because the full WCNC article text was not available, the specific experts and their exact conclusions could not be reviewed here. Based on the headline and snippet, WCNC reported that experts addressed why some people appear to be bigger mosquito targets than others, including whether blood type plays a role.

General scientific background supports a cautious answer: blood type may be one factor in mosquito attraction, and some studies have suggested mosquitoes can show preferences among people. However, experts commonly point to several stronger or overlapping cues, including carbon dioxide from breath, body heat, skin odors, sweat-related compounds, bacteria on the skin, clothing color and recent physical activity. These factors can vary from person to person, which helps explain why mosquitoes may swarm one person while largely ignoring another nearby.

The issue matters because mosquito bites are not only irritating but can transmit illnesses in some regions. Public-health guidance generally emphasizes prevention over identifying a single cause of attraction: use EPA-registered repellents, wear protective clothing when appropriate, remove standing water where mosquitoes breed and follow local health advisories during peak mosquito activity.