With Thailand seeing renewed surges in mosquito-borne illnesses during the rainy season, understanding the latest science about who gets bitten and how best to avoid these tiny but deadly insects is more relevant than ever. Recent research summarised in CNN’s 2025 wellness feature sheds light on the mysteries of mosquito attraction—and offers practical tips that could be vital for public health, especially in Southeast Asia.
Most Thais know mosquitoes are a nuisance at best and a dire health threat at worst. But few realise that the mosquito, not the shark or snake, is humanity’s deadliest predator. Thai health officials confirm the urgent need for vigilance during rainy months as viruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya continue to threaten both residents and the over 35 million tourists who visit Thailand each year (Nation Thailand; Vax-Before-Travel). This context underscores the importance of the latest findings on how—beyond sheer luck—some people attract far more bites than others.
Historian and mosquito researcher Timothy C. Winegard, quoted in the CNN article, describes mosquitoes as the “No. 1 killer of humanity across our existence,” killing more than a million people globally each year, mainly through malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and other diseases CDC. In Thailand, dengue and Zika continue to hospitalise—and sometimes kill—hundreds of people annually, with particularly risky peaks during the rainy season.
But what makes certain people irresistible to these tiny predators? The answer, researchers say, is a complex mix of genetics and behaviour. According to Winegard, as much as 85% of mosquito attractiveness is “prewired” in our genes—but the decisions we make, especially in the Thai context, can make a big difference in who gets bitten.
Here are the science-backed tips, adapted for Thai readers, on how to protect yourself:
1. Skip the Alcohol, Sip the Lemonade It’s tempting to unwind with a cold beer by the river or at the night market, but Thai and international experts now warn that consuming alcohol literally makes you easier prey. Mosquitoes hunt using thermal, or infrared, vision—sensing the heat radiating from bodies. Alcohol raises your body temperature, increasing your visibility to their heat-sensing eyes (CNN). Field research in Thailand echoes this advice: swap out beer for water, lemon tea, or coconut juice at outdoor gatherings, especially in mosquito-prone provinces such as Chiang Mai or rural Isaan (Times of India, deavita.net).
2. Keep Cool and Dress Smart Mosquitoes are drawn to high levels of carbon dioxide and heat. Breathing heavily from exercise or wearing dark clothes that absorb heat can turn you into a beacon for bites. Thai health agencies and global bodies alike recommend wearing loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing—not just for temple visits or forest hikes, but anywhere outdoors in the evening (The Koh Samui Guide). In Bangkok and other urban areas, these clothing choices double as protection from sun and pollutants. When exercising outside, schedule your walks or cycles during daytime hours when mosquito activity is lower, and cool down with frequent water breaks.
3. Use a “Suit of Armor”: Insect Repellent Matters The gold standard for bite prevention remains a thorough application of insect repellent. DEET-based repellents are still deemed most effective, while oil of lemon eucalyptus offers a plant-derived alternative for those wary of chemicals (Wikipedia). In Thailand, local research is identifying indigenous repellent formulas such as citronella, lemongrass, and even kaffir lime leaves (PubMed), which are now available in pharmacies and community markets (The Koh Samui Guide). Treated clothing—especially garments impregnated with permethrin—offers double protection and is gaining popularity among health-conscious Thais and tourists alike. However, researchers caution that repellents must be applied meticulously—missing just a small area, like the back of your calf, gives a hungry female mosquito the opportunity she seeks.
4. Eliminate Standing Water: The Thai Neighborhood Solution For generations, Thai communities have known that stagnant water is a magnet for mosquitoes. Recent research puts this wisdom into scientific context: female mosquitoes need only a tiny amount of water—a bottle cap is enough—to lay hundreds of eggs (CNN). Simple but effective actions include overturning unused buckets, clearing clogged drains, changing water in vases, and even checking potted plants and discarded tires. According to the Ministry of Public Health, these habits are crucial during wet months. In urban condos, residents are urged to monitor roof gutters, balcony drainage trays, and communal spaces for water accumulation.
5. Be Cautious With Personal Fragrances and Hygiene—Except Your Feet In a surprising twist, new studies reveal that strong deodorants, perfumes, and soaps can actually lure mosquitoes to you. Mosquitoes are attracted by the unique mixture of body bacteria and scents found on human skin, and artificial sweet, floral, or musky fragrances mimic the odors mosquitoes love. Amusingly, increasing natural skin bacteria by skipping showers may offer some bite protection—but dirty feet are the exception: the blend of foot bacteria and odors is especially tempting to mosquitoes (CNN). While Thais are famous for clean feet in cultural settings (always remove your shoes indoors!), make foot washing a must during the rainy season.
Genetic Factors: Blood Type, Not Hair or Skin Another persistent myth in Thai pop culture is that light-skinned or female individuals get bitten more—it’s not true. What matters most is blood type, with “Type O” individuals bitten twice as often as Type A, according to laboratory experiments and field data (CNN). Blood type distribution in Thailand tends to favor “Type O” and “Type B,” which may explain why anecdotal bite rates are so common even among local populations. Hair color, skin tone, and gender do not influence mosquito preferences.
Thailand’s Ongoing Battle: Mosquitoes and Public Health Thailand’s struggle against mosquito-borne diseases is both historic and intensely contemporary. National campaigns—often led by subdistrict health volunteers—regularly target breeding grounds before and during the rainy season. Mosquito fogging, larvicidal treatments, and school/drain clean-ups are coordinated efforts seen from Bangkok to provincial towns (Wikipedia). However, as shown by continued outbreaks of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya (Vax-Before-Travel), science suggests that personal responsibility—especially within the household and neighbourhood—is still the frontline.
According to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, between 2023 and 2025, infection rates for dengue and Zika increased in large part due to erratic rainfall and persistent breeding sites in urban and peri-urban environments. Public health campaigns urging families to clean their homes and report unusual clusters of fever or rash are credited with lowering transmission rates when fully implemented. Yet, with tourists and domestic travellers moving throughout the country, the risk of local transmission remains high (Nation Thailand).
Looking Forward: Innovations & Vigilance Fuelled by new research, Thailand is pivoting toward advanced mosquito control: community education, smart traps that use AI to monitor mosquito populations, and biocontrol agents like natural predators and bacteria. In tandem, the promotion of natural repellents and educational outreach—especially through schools and LINE social media groups—is a modern update to long-standing Thai wisdom (Wikipedia). Further, scientists are developing alternatives to chemical sprays with spatial repellents—fabrics and emanators that release mosquito-deterring pyrethroids into the air (PubMed). These methods show promise in semi-field trials, including recent studies in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
Conclusion and Action Steps for Thai Communities The evidence is clear: mosquitoes remain Thailand’s deadliest—and most underestimated—predator. But effective action is possible. Thai families, schools, temples, and local leaders can all help reduce disease risk. Concrete recommendations:
- Use proven insect repellents, especially in evenings and near water sources.
- Dress in lightweight, long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing for outdoor activities.
- Regularly wash feet and avoid perfumed personal products during the rainy season.
- Eliminate all standing water in and around homes, schools, and temples at least once a week.
- Stay informed about local disease outbreaks via official channels, especially if travelling between regions.
- Promote awareness of modern repellents and support innovative community mosquito control projects.
By combining modern science, imported strategies, and traditional wisdom, Thailand can continue its fight against mosquito-borne diseases and keep both locals and visitors safe during the challenging months ahead.
References:
CNN: Mosquitoes bite! 5 tips for making yourself less attractive
NationThailand: Zika Virus Spreads During Thai Rainy Season
Vax-Before-Travel: Thailand’s Continuing Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika Outbreaks
PubMed: Indigenous repellents in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
The Koh Samui Guide: How to avoid mosquitoes in Thailand
Wikipedia: Mosquito Control