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Study Suggests Mosquitoes Can Become Attracted to Insect Repellent

A new study suggests that mosquitoes can learn to associate the smell of insect repellent with a meal, potentially becoming attracted to it over time. This surprising conclusion challenges conventional understanding of repellent effectiveness.

28 May, 15:22 — 28 May, 15:22
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Showing 1 of 3 sources
The GuardianMostly Factual4h ago

Mosquitoes can become attracted to insect repellant, study suggests

The insect may learn to associate the chemical Deet with a ‘blood meal’, researchers say It is a spray used worldwide to protect humans from mosquito bites, but now research suggests Deet can become attractive to the insects if they associate it with feeding. Deet – which has the chemical name N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide – is widely used in insect repellants, with the UK Health Security Agency recommending products with 50% Deet as the first choice to protect against mosquito bites. Continue ...

By Nicola Davis Science correspondent

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Coverage Timeline

First report: The Guardian · 28 May, 15:22Full coverage: 3 · 3hWindow: 3h
Left-leaningCenterRight-leaning
The Guardian28 May, 15:22First to report

Mosquitoes can become attracted to insect repellant, study suggests

1h later
hotnews28 May, 16:33

Țânțarii ajung să fie atrași chiar de spray-urile de protecție. Concluzia surprinzătoare a celui mai nou studiu

2h later
naftemporiki28 May, 18:21Latest update

Γαλλία: Κουνούπια έμαθαν να συνδέουν τη μυρωδιά εντομοαπωθητικού με το… γεύμα τους

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