Study of 450 Festivalgoers Links Alcohol, Cannabis and Skin Bacteria to Mosquito Attraction
Updated
Updated · Earth.com · Aug 9
Study of 450 Festivalgoers Links Alcohol, Cannabis and Skin Bacteria to Mosquito Attraction
3 articles · Updated · Earth.com · Aug 9
Summary
More than 450 people at a 2023 Dutch music festival were tested against Anopheles stephensi, and mosquitoes landed more often on those who had recently consumed beer or wine, used cannabis, or carried more Streptococcus skin bacteria.
The three-day field study also tied higher attraction to skipping sunscreen and sharing a bed, while perfume showed no measurable effect and diet and blood type showed no clear link.
Researchers measured breath alcohol, collected skin samples and filmed each volunteer pressing a forearm against a mosquito cage, aiming to capture real-world behavior outside a lab.
Scientists said the alcohol effect remains unclear—possibly tied to heat, carbon dioxide or sweat from related behavior—and outside experts cautioned the findings may not generalize across mosquito species or disease-endemic regions.
Because mosquitoes spread diseases including malaria, dengue and Zika, the authors said long sleeves and effective repellents remain more reliable protection than changing habits like drinking or sleeping alone.