Mosquitoes bite humans for one main reason: to obtain blood. Mosquitoes are blood-sucking insects that require protein from blood in order to produce eggs.

Female mosquitoes have a specialized mouthpiece called a proboscis that they use to pierce the skin and extract blood from their host. Male mosquitoes do not bite humans because they do not require blood for reproduction.

Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide and heat that humans produce, which helps them locate their host. They are also drawn to certain chemicals in our sweat, such as lactic acid and ammonia, which give off a distinct odor that mosquitoes can detect.

Mosquitoes can sense the presence of a potential host from a distance of several feet, and will fly towards the source of the carbon dioxide and heat. Once they reach their target, they will use their proboscis to pierce the skin and inject a small amount of saliva into the bite site.

The saliva contains enzymes that help to prevent the blood from clotting, allowing the mosquito to obtain a steady supply of blood. It also contains proteins that can cause an allergic reaction in some people, leading to swelling and itching at the bite site.

Mosquitoes are considered to be a major public health threat due to their ability to transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. In fact, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal in the world.

To prevent mosquito bites, it is important to use insect repellents, wear long sleeves and pants, and avoid being outside during peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn). Additionally, eliminating standing water sources in and around your home can help to reduce the mosquito population.