Why those critters bug you

If you find that mosquitoes, black flies, ticks, and chiggers take to you like moths to a flame while ignoring your companions, your hunch is probably correct: It's just you.

Substances that your body emits or things that you put on could be why critters love you so much. Bugs are mainly attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, odor, and moisture. Physical exertion, sweat, deodorants, colognes and body sprays, and dark clothing (which retains heat) can make you more attractive to bugs by magnifying those factors.

To keep bugs away, don't wear fragrance, cover up, and use a repellent containing deet on exposed skin but not under clothes, because that increases absorption.

Also consider wearing light-colored, loose clothing and a hat when outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn. That is when mosquitoes are at the peak of their feeding frenzy.