Mosquitoes don’t actually choose people randomly. If it feels like they only bite you, there are a few scientific reasons that may explain it.

First, mosquitoes are strongly attracted to the carbon dioxide people breathe out. Individuals who produce more CO₂—such as adults, pregnant women, or people who are physically active—can attract more mosquitoes.

Another factor is body odor and skin bacteria. Certain natural chemicals produced by the skin make some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Research has shown that the mix of bacteria on your skin can influence how appealing you are to them.

Body heat and sweat also play a role. Substances like lactic acid and ammonia in sweat can draw mosquitoes in, especially in warm environments.

Some studies even suggest that blood type may matter. People with Type O blood appear to be bitten more often than those with other blood types, although mosquitoes respond to several factors at once.

So if mosquitoes seem to prefer you, it’s usually due to a combination of things like your breathing, body chemistry, heat, and scent—not just bad luck.