Probably they're attracted by the buzz.
Posted on 09/10/2025 10:36:42 AM PDT by nickcarraway
People who drink beer are more likely to attract mosquitoes than those who don’t, according to a new study by Dutch researchers. The findings suggest that lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption can influence how often someone gets bitten.
Researchers observed that people who drink beer attract mosquitoes at a significantly higher rate, approximately 1.35 times more, compared to non-drinkers. The study, led by Felix Hol of Radboud University Nijmegen, was conducted at the 2023 Lowlands music festival in the Netherlands.
To carry out the research, Hol and his team set up a temporary lab built from connected shipping containers on the festival grounds.
They brought thousands of female Anopheles mosquitoes and enlisted roughly 500 volunteers. Each participant completed a questionnaire about hygiene, diet, and recent behavior. Then, they placed one arm into a custom-designed cage filled with mosquitoes.
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A camera recorded how many mosquitoes landed on the person’s arm compared to a sugar feeder placed inside the cage. Researchers later compared that footage with participants’ survey responses to identify trends.
Alongside beer consumption, two other factors appeared to increase mosquito attraction. People who had shared a bed with someone the night before were more likely to draw mosquitoes. On the other hand, recent showering and applying sunscreen seemed to reduce mosquito interest.
In a paper posted to the bioRxiv preprint server, the researchers stated mosquitoes were more drawn to people who drank beer, skipped sunscreen, and had more recent intimate contact. They noted that the insects appeared to favor individuals with more indulgent behavior.
Public health implications and prevention
While the experiment was limited to one event and a specific group of participants, the results provide new insight into why some people are more prone to mosquito bites.
Hol’s team emphasized that understanding these patterns can support broader public health efforts, particularly in preventing mosquito-borne illnesses.
Mosquitoes are not only a seasonal nuisance, but they also spread serious diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Research that uncovers how to reduce exposure can play a key role in disease prevention.
The study’s findings suggest simple steps, such as regular showering, wearing sunscreen, and moderating alcohol intake, may help individuals avoid mosquito bites, especially in high-risk areas or during peak mosquito season.
A mosquito in the hand is worth two in the Busch.
No but it does draw bar flies.
There is nothing worse than a drunk mosquito. Just sayin’.
Not much broadleaf plantain right around here, so I just rub on some 95% DEET. Mosquitos aren’t really that bad a problem in southern Arizona anyway, though we do get some during the summer rains.
And sodas
This is timely. I am currently in Amsterdam, staying at a B & B on the Kaisersgeracht (canal), (unusually for me) having a beer with dinner, and am being eaten alive by mosquitos during the night. 20 bites at least during the last 10 days.
Fun times.
Probably they're attracted by the buzz.
O+ blood type is known to attract mosquitoes, and unfortunately, I can attest to that. I can be in a room with 100 people and one mosquito and I’ll get bit twice.
Plantain grows everywhere here.
It works and it doesn’t taste bad.
No. It is just the aroma wafting in air. You don’t inhale it by smoking in a pipe.
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