British scientists say that the chances of being bitten by a mosquito is dependent on gene-induced odour

Summer's on its way, and the annoying sound of a mosquito buzzing in your ear before swooping to suck blood is not long off.

Or not if you have a genetic variant which controls body odour, say researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. So it doesn't really matter how much repellent you slap or spray on - it's in your genes.

Writing in the PLOS One medical journal, Dr James Logan, Senior Lecturer in Medical Entomology said: "By investigating the genetic mechanism behind attractiveness to biting insects such as mosquitoes we can move closer to using this knowledge for better ways of keeping us safe from bites and the diseases insects can spread through bites.

"If we understand the genetic basis for variation between individuals it could be possible to develop bespoke ways to control mosquitoes better, and develop new ways to repel them.

"In the future we may even be able to take a pill which will enhance the production of natural repellents by the body and ultimately replace skin lotions."