# Beer, Body Scent May Make You a Mosquito Magnet. Can DEET Help?
Mosquitoes don't bite randomly. Certain people attract them far more than others, and new research identifies exactly why. Sweat, body odors, and even a cold beer can make you a mosquito magnet.
Scientists have long known that mosquitoes hunt humans using carbon dioxide and body heat. Recent studies reveal a more nuanced picture. Mosquitoes also track specific body odors and skin bacteria. Some people naturally produce compounds that mosquitoes find irresistible.
Drinking alcohol appears to boost your attractiveness to mosquitoes. A 2002 study published in the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association found that people who drank beer were bitten more frequently than non-drinkers. Alcohol increases body temperature and changes sweat composition, making you easier to locate.
Body scent matters enormously. Individual skin bacteria produce unique odor profiles. Mosquitoes evolved to recognize certain chemical signatures. People with higher amounts of specific fatty acids and ammonia in their sweat tend to get bitten more often. Genetics largely determine these scent profiles, meaning some families are simply more attractive to mosquitoes.
DEET remains the gold standard for mosquito protection. This insecticide, approved by the EPA since 1946, works by blocking mosquitoes' ability to locate your skin through scent detection. Products containing 20 to 30 percent DEET provide effective protection for several hours. The American Academy of Pediatrics allows DEET on children over two months old.
For parents, understanding these risk factors helps with prevention. If your family gets bitten frequently, you're not imagining it. Consider applying DEET-based repellents before outdoor activities, especially during dawn and dusk when