(CNN) —

When summer hits and people head for the beach, many worry about sharks. But, interestingly, the biggest threat is actually just a tiny mosquito.

According to historian Dr. Timothy C. Winegard, mosquitoes are not only annoying during warm weather; they have also earned the title of “No. 1 killer of humanity throughout history.” Each year, they cause over one million deaths due to deadly diseases. In comparison, sharks are said to take fewer than ten lives annually.

Wherever humans go, mosquitoes seem to follow. Their bites itch and can transmit diseases, and historically, they’ve shaped pivotal moments in human history, as noted by Winegard in his book, “The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator.”

“Malaria and yellow fever have influenced our historical path from early human evolution right up to today,” Winegard mentioned during a conversation with CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the podcast, Chasing Life.

Interestingly, Winegard’s interest in the subject was sparked by his father’s fascination with malaria. At first, Winegard wasn’t particularly keen on the topic, jokingly brushing off his dad’s suggestion of writing a book about mosquitoes. But as he delved deeper into the impact of various mosquito-borne pathogens—like malaria, Zika, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and West Nile virus—he found himself captivated.

The consequences of mosquitoes are felt intensely today. Each year, malaria accounts for over half a million deaths, affecting the economy of disease-stricken regions. Winegard emphasized that wealthier Northern Hemisphere countries benefit from not battling malaria constantly.

You can listen to the entire episode on Chasing Life.

This summer, as people engage in outdoor activities, Winegard shared some tips on how to minimize mosquito encounters.

Interestingly, Winegard mentioned that about 85% of what attracts mosquitoes to you is rooted in genetics. Nevertheless, there are practical ways to keep them at bay, including these five tips:

First, alcohol consumption can increase your visibility to mosquitoes. Winegard explained that these insects hunt based on thermal vision, detecting heat signatures. Consuming alcohol raises your body temperature, making you a beacon for mosquitoes.

So, maybe grab a glass of water or lemonade instead of that beer next time.

Aside from heat, mosquitoes primarily rely on smell to locate their targets. They can detect carbon dioxide from up to 200 feet away. This means if you’re exercising or breathing heavily, mosquitoes will pick up on it.

Keeping cool is essential, according to Winegard. Your choice of clothing matters too; darker colors retain more heat, making lighter, long-sleeved clothes a better option.

Of course, insect repellent is key in protecting yourself, but applying it thoroughly is critical. Sometimes people miss spots, leaving areas vulnerable to bites. Winegard likened mosquito repellent application to perfumes—it’s important to cover your whole body.

He recommends using DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus, with added security from clothing pretreated with permethrin.

While summer is enjoyable with pools and outdoor activities, those still waters are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Winegard advised that even small amounts of stagnant water—like in an old container or a toy—are enough for them to reproduce.

Reducing standing water in your yard can help keep those mosquitoes at bay.

Here’s a surprising tip: consider skipping a shower once in a while. Winegard humorously mentioned that being “pungently rancid” could deter mosquitoes since it increases the levels of certain bacteria on your skin.

However, you might want to keep your feet clean, as the bacteria there attract mosquitoes.

Despite popular beliefs, mosquitoes aren’t particularly picky based on visible characteristics. Winegard dismissed notions that they prefer any specific hair color or skin tone. However, he noted they do seem to prefer certain people, particularly those with blood type O, which appears to be their favorite.

So, while it might seem like a mosquito’s world, maybe we’re just living in it.