Illustration depicting a pregnant woman attracting mosquitoes due to specific scent compounds like octenol, with researchers studying the phenomenon in a lab.

Researchers explain why mosquitoes are drawn to pregnant women

May 03, 2026

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Researchers from institutions including Sweden's Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have discovered why certain women, especially pregnant ones, attract mosquitoes. They identified 27 chemical compounds in scent samples, with octenol playing a key role. The finding could improve mosquito traps and repellents.

Pregnant women are particularly attractive to mosquitoes, according to a new study. Researchers from Sweden's Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and other institutions found that women's appeal to mosquitoes is influenced by their menstrual cycle position and pregnancy status.

Using scent samples from women, the team pinpointed 27 chemical compounds. Octenol, also known as mushroom alcohol, emerged as particularly significant and is present in higher amounts in pregnant women.

The results could enhance mosquito traps and repellents. "So that we, for example, can develop new repellents that disrupt these scent compounds," said Rickard Ignell, professor at SLU Alnarp, to P4 Värmland.

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May 07, 2026 16:53

Researchers explain why mosquitoes are drawn to pregnant women

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