Bitten by mozzies? You’ve got the wrong genes, according to new study

People who find themselves a magnet for mosquitoes in the summer months can now blame mum and dad, with new research revealing genetics plays a big part in making somebody attractive to the little bloodsuckers.

Previous studies claimed to show pregnant women, larger people and those with higher body temperatures were more vulnerable.

However, new research examining twins has discovered mosquitoes pick their victims based on body odour, with genetics playing a larger role than first thought.

In experiments conducted by US and UK scientists, identical twins drew similar numbers of mosquitos.

However, non-identical twins, who share just 50 percent of their genes, showed more varied results.

The information could be put to good use by Australian scientists.

Parts of the country’s east coast are undergoing one of the worst outbreaks of Ross River virus in 20 years due to heavy rain increasing mosquito numbers.