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Why Mosquitoes Bother Some And Not Others

Posted by michael on from the itchy-and-scratchy dept.

antipode writes "The BBC reports that scientists may have a better clue why mosquitoes prefer biting some people to others. This may lead to formulating a next generation of mosquito repellent that would suppress the smells attracting the blood sucking insects. According to the article, such repellent would be odor-less by itself. Wonder whether it's going to be more evil than Deet-based repellents, which, while being the only type that actually works, dissolve plastic and are believed by some to be carcinogenic."

7 of 61 comments (clear)

  1. It's a Natural Repellant by AllMightyPaul · · Score: 5, Informative

    "Wonder whether it's going to be more evil than Deet-based repellents, which, while being the only type that actually works, dissolve plastic and are believed by some to be carcinogenic."

    If the poster actually did read the article, he would have noticed that it says that it's a natural repellant made from chemicals already produced by the body. This leads to a high likelihood that it's not dangerous.

  2. Re:Needless Editorializing by thesp · · Score: 4, Informative

    Well, here at Oxford, if we want to use this stuff we have to go by the MSDS, given here. It states: Safety (MSDS) data for N,N-diethyl-N-toluamide "Toxicology Toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. May cause systemic effects. Experimental reproductive effects. Mutagenic data. May cause CNS disturbances. Toxicity data SKN-HMN TDLO 35 mg kg-1 ORL-WMN LDLO 950 mg kg-1 ORL-MAN LDLO 679 mg kg-1 ORL-RAT LD50 1950 mg kg-1 SKN-RBT LD50 3180 mg kg-1" Furthermore "Personal protection: Safety glasses, gloves, adequate ventilation."
    So, the "...are believed by some" tag is entirely valid...

  3. From someone who probably knows... by b00m3rang · · Score: 3, Informative

    A park ranger told me that what they all use is Avon Skin So Soft. It's not designed as a bug repellant, but apparently it works the best.

    I haven't tried it myself.

    1. Re:From someone who probably knows... by EricWright · · Score: 2, Informative

      I have... it's freakish how well this stuff repels mosquitos!

  4. Re:Needless Editorializing by Chirs · · Score: 2, Informative

    "1% or so solution" ????

    Typical bug sprays are around 30% deet, and it is not at all difficult to buy pure liquid deet as well (usually in a non-aerosol pump).

  5. Re:Needless Editorializing by NorthDude · · Score: 3, Informative

    Here is a glossary for reading msds : http://ptcl.chem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/glossary/GLOSSARY.h tml

    There is no TDLO, but you can extrapolate by reading LD50, LDLO and TD50...

    --


    I'd rather be sailing...
  6. Re:Needless Editorializing by lord+sibn · · Score: 2, Informative

    *coughs*

    And what was it that you thought cancer actually *is*?

    Mutations, my friend. Nothing more, nothing less. some beneficial or benign, most dangerous. Are you really proposing that Deet causes (according to some studies) "mutations" that will give you the power to control the weather or fly? What type of "mutation" are you really expecting here?