Mozzies are fussy about who they bite - study

Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine now believe they could create a pill to recreate the natural repellent. Photo / 123RF

Scientists have found that the chance of being bitten by a mosquito is written in the genes and some people are just more likely to be attacked no matter how much insect repellent they slap on.

It all comes down to a genetic variant which controls body odour. Some people have genes which provide a natural defence against the biting insects, while others are not so lucky.

Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine now believe they could create a pill to recreate the natural repellent. Dr James Logan, senior lecturer in medical entomology, said: "If we understand the genetic basis for variation between individuals it could be possible to develop bespoke ways to control mosquitoes better, and develop new ways to repel them."

Researchers conducted trials using 18 identical and 19 non-identical sets of female twins in which dengue mosquitoes, were released into a Y-shaped tube which divides into two sections.

They were allowed to fly down either side towards the odour from the participants' hands to see which twin they were most attracted to. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, found that the mosquitoes would bite none, or both of the identical twins, but the results were mixed for the non-identical twins.