Mosquitoes Can Be Attracted to Insect Repellent, Study Finds

A new study suggests that mosquitoes can be 'trained' to ignore insect repellent and even become attracted to its smell, associating it with a meal. This surprising finding indicates a potential adaptation by mosquitoes to common repellents.

28 May, 15:22 — 28 May, 15:22

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The GuardianMostly Factual5h 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, 15:22|Full coverage: 4 · 4h|Window: 4h

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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, 18:21

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

iefimerida28 May, 19:17Latest update

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Mosquitoes Can Be Attracted to Insect Repellent, Study Finds

Sources

Mosquitoes can become attracted to insect repellant, study suggests

Coverage Timeline

Mosquitoes can become attracted to insect repellant, study suggests

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

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

Μελέτη: Τα κουνούπια μπορούν να «εκπαιδευτούν» να αγνοούν το εντομοαπωθητικό -Έμαθαν να συνδέουν τη μυρωδιά του με το... γεύμα τους

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