Ever wonder why you’re covered in bites while your mates escape untouched? Mosquitoes don’t bite randomly- they use a range of scientific cues to find their favourite targets. Here’s what makes some Kiwis irresistible to these pesky insects, and how Pure Zinc Anti-Mozzie helps keep them at bay.
1. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Every time you exhale, you release CO₂. Mosquitoes can sense it from up to 50 metres away. The more CO₂ you produce (for example during exercise), the easier you are to find.
2. Body Heat & Sweat
Mosquitoes are also heat-seekers. Your body temperature rises when you’re active, making you stand out. Add sweat to the mix, and it’s even worse — when sweat mixes with bacteria on your skin, it releases lactic acid, ammonia, and carboxylic acids, all powerful mosquito attractants.
3. Your Skin Chemistry (and Genetics)
Your natural scent, partly influenced by genetics, plays a huge role. Studies have shown that people with certain skin-bacteria profiles are bitten more often. These bacteria release chemicals that mosquitoes lock onto, creating your own personal “mosquito signature”.
4. Blood Type
Mosquitoes are naturally more attracted to certain blood types and antigens, which are detectable through your skin. This is bad news if you’re Type O, for example, and good news if you're Type A.
5. Clothing Colour
It’s not just scent, mosquitoes are visual hunters too. They’re drawn to dark colours like navy, black and deep red because they stand out against the sky, making you easier to spot from a distance.
6. Alcohol & Hormones
Ever noticed more bites after a beer or wine? Drinking alcohol can slightly raise your skin temperature and dilate blood vessels, making you an easier target. Similarly, hormonal changes (eg. during pregnancy) can increase your appeal to mozzies.
How Pure Zinc Anti-Mozzie Helps
Mosquitoes use multiple senses to find you, but Sun Zapper Pure Zinc Anti-Mozzie works to help break the chain:
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Citronella scent: Naturally helps repel mosquitoes by masking some of the skin cues they use to find you.
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Natural protection: Non-nano zinc formulation creates a gentle physical barrier against UV rays as well as mozzies. Comfortable to wear, non-greasy, and ideal for sensitive skin.
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Family-friendly: Safe for the whole family, including kids over 6 months, with no DEET or harsh chemicals.
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Water- and sweat-resistant: Perfect for beach days, bushwalks, or backyard BBQs, with up to 80 minutes water resistance.
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Made in Australia, for Kiwi conditions: High-quality formulation designed for outdoor life across Aotearoa.
Take Back Your Evenings
You can’t change your blood type or stop breathing, but you can make yourself a far less appealing target. With Pure Zinc Anti-Mozzie, you get natural zinc sun protection with a citronella scent layer that helps repel mozzies without sticky sprays or chemical smells. Say goodbye to itchy bites and hello to carefree evenings outdoors across New Zealand.
Ready to head outside?
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