Female mosquitos, which can transmit deadly diseases like malaria, are attracted to humans by the scent of exhaled carbon dioxide.
A study by researchers at the University of California found that mosquitos can detect the scent from a distance. However, when they approach a person, they are attracted to the exposed areas such as ankles and feet due to the odour of the skin.
The researchers say the study helped investigate how the mosquito’s carbon dioxide receptor neuron responds to odours, explaining why they are often attracted to used clothes and bedding.
Read more at University of California