Why Me? Understanding the Science Behind Insect Attraction
Written by: Lucy de la Pasture
|
Published on
|
Time to read 4 min
If you’ve ever returned from a relaxing hike or ride with more bites than your companions—or watched your horse being harassed by swarms while others graze in peace—you’re not imagining things. Some people and horses really are more attractive to biting insects. But why?
Understanding the reasons can help you manage insect pests more effectively and enjoy the outdoors with fewer itchy consequences.
1. In the UK and many temperate regions, the most common biting insects are:
Mosquitoes – active at dusk and dawn, notorious disease vectors.
Midges – particularly Culicoides species, which swarm in clouds near water.
Horseflies – large, fast-flying insects with painful bites, active in sunlight.
Each species has evolved to detect their hosts using sight, smell, heat, and movement , and some of us (and our horses) just give off stronger signals.
Icaridin Insect Repellent - most effective against biting flies
1. Body Odour and Skin Chemistry
Human and animal skin emits hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These odours, produced by sweat and bacteria on the skin, can make you either a magnet—or a repellant—for biting insects.
A 2022 study in Current Biology found that people who produce more carboxylic acids , a type of fatty compound, are consistently more attractive to mosquitoes. These acids are natural byproducts of skin cell turnover and vary genetically and microbiologically.
Similarly, horses have unique sweat chemistry. Some horses sweat more, and the breakdown of their sweat by bacteria can create odours that insects find irresistible.
Try this : Wash your horse down regularly or after exercise with peppermint or lavender shampoo. For yourself, avoid perfumed lotions that may enhance your scent signature.
Reference :
De Obaldia, M. E., et al. (2022). "Differential mosquito attraction to humans is associated with skin-derived carboxylic acid levels." Current Biology, 32(6), 1211–1222.e4. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.01.073
2. Carbon Dioxide: The Insect Homing Beacon
All biting insects are attracted to carbon dioxide (CO₂) —the gas we exhale. Larger individuals (human or equine) naturally exhale more CO₂, making them easier for insects to locate. Activity increases this even further.
🏇 Horses, especially large breeds, emit considerable CO₂. Combined with their size and warmth, they’re ideal targets.
Reference :
Dekker, T., et al. (2005). "Carbon dioxide and 1-octen-3-ol as mosquito attractants." Journal of Medical Entomology, 42(5), 709–715.
3. Body Heat and Infrared Radiation
Insects like mosquitoes and horseflies use infrared sensors to find warm patches of skin. After exercise or on a hot day, humans and horses become veritable beacons to bugs.
Tip : Use breathable fly sheets, fly masks, or long, light-coloured clothing to reduce visibility to these pests.
Reference :
Braverman, Y., & Chizov-Ginzburg, A. (1998). "Attraction of horseflies to heat: the role of body temperature." Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 12(3), 322–325.
4. Skin Microbiome: Your Invisible Scent Signature
Different people (and horses) host different microbial communities , and these bacteria influence odour. Certain bacteria increase insect-attracting compounds.
Research in PLoS ONE shows that skin microbiota can significantly influence how likely you are to get bitten.
This may also explain why horses in different environments attract different levels of flies.
TIP: Apply icridin insect repellent
Reference :
Verhulst, N. O., et al. (2011). "Composition of human skin microbiota affects attractiveness to malaria mosquitoes." PLoS ONE, 6(12): e28991.
5. Genetics: The Bite-Prone Family Tree
It's all in your genes! Genetics affect odour, immune response, sweat composition, and even how you react to bites. Some people swell up, others don’t. Mosquitoes prefer Type O blood over others, according to research in Scientific Reports.
While you can’t change your genes, knowing your risk helps in planning deterrents.
REFERENCE
Manica, M., et al. (2017). "Mosquito attraction varies according to human genetic variation and ABO blood group." Scientific Reports, 7, 15106.
6. Colour & Clothing
Insects are visual creatures. Horseflies and mosquitoes prefer darker colours like black, navy, or red.
Studies from the University of Lund found that horseflies are drawn to dark, shiny surfaces due to their polarised light reflection.
Field tip : Dress in light-coloured, loose clothing. Light-coated horses or those in light fly gear or Zebra-striped rugs often receive fewer bites.
Reference :
Egri, Á., et al. (2012). "Polarotactic tabanid flies are attracted to darker targets: why horses with a dark coat suffer more?" PLOS ONE, 7(10), e44602.
7. Movement and Behaviour
Moving targets are more easily spotted and pursued by insects. Riders, hikers, or restless horses are easier for insects to lock onto.
Some horse owners notice their more active horses get bitten more—this isn’t bad luck, it’s biomechanics.
Reference :
Vale, G. A. (1974). "Responses of tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) to mobile and stationary baits." Bulletin of Entomological Research, 64(2), 199–208.
So what can you do?
For Humans
Use icaridin-based repellents
Wear long sleeves and light colours
Be aware of the times when you're most likely to be bitten
Consider taking vitamin B12
Keep moving air around with a fan
For Horses
Use fly sprays and insect-repelling shampoos
Consider garlic supplements (consult your vet)
Fit lightweight fly rugs and masks
Provide shelter and shade
Use integrated non-chemical controls such as horsefly traps
In hot periods, use fans in stables to deter flying insects.
Yes, some people and horses truly are more attractive to biting insects. The reasons include skin chemistry, microbiota, genetics, and even your shirt colour.
By understanding the science, you can take action to keep yourself and your animals more comfortable—and bite-free—while enjoying the outdoors.
One or more of the items in your cart is a recurring or deferred purchase. By continuing, I agree to the cancellation policy and authorize you to charge my payment method at the prices, frequency and dates listed on this page until my order is fulfilled or I cancel, if permitted.
If I could give this 6 stars I would! Very effective at combating thrushy feet and it smells fantastic, a pleasure to apply. A little goes a very long way indeed. Worth every penny. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I used this on all the 'non rugged' parts of my horse when we had all the mud a few weeks ago and it is brilliant. Instead of scrubbing for ages the mud just glides off. I applied it with a sponge every couple of days. Great product which I will continue to use.
I am impressed with this product. I thought my horse had thrush and have been treating it as such with endless products, some natural and some pretty harsh stuff. I have been so desperate to clear this up. As she continued to worsen and become incredibly tender, it occurred to me that she had canker, not thrush, a far more serious problem.
I read reviews and a couple of articles that people were finding Frog and Sole Extra successful, so I thought to give it a try.
I am heartened! I have applied it for three days so far, and in just that time I have seen a marked improvement. Three days ago, my mare was distinctly lame and today she hardly had a nod. I have a way to go to clear this up completely but this is the first product that has made a positive difference.
We've been using Hedgewitch products for over 5 years now and they are second to none, they are so effective and last a fair while so brilliant value for money. The horse oil keeps her pastern areas clear of mud and the frog and sole saviour gets rid of any sign of thrush very fast indeed. And both products smell divine! Thanks Hedgewitch!
The best oil for our boys in winter and all year round
Keeps mud from
Sticking and does wonders for our big cobs heavy thick mane and tail
And makes clipping a whole lot easier
