Why Mosquitoes Bother Some And Not Others

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."

Comments

Carbon Dioxide

[digitalchinky]

A biologist friend of mine studying ross-river-virus explained that it was related to our emission of carbon dioxide. They 'smell' it.

At least, that's what I think was said - I was pretty drunk at the time...

B-complex

[cbiffle]

I wish the article had provided a bit more info on what the specific chemicals were.

In my family, we've traditionally used B-complex to ward off mosquitos. If you take a certain amount (more than usual, not enough to stink and turn orange), mosquitos ignore you completely.

Wonder if it's related.

Horse Mosquitos

[RobertB-DC]

It's already known that some mosquitos target specific species. I've seen this in action on my horses -- they can be covered in LARGE mosquitos, while I remain relatively bite-free. That doesn't stop me from trying to kill as many of them as I can.

Of course, one reason these mosquitos can survive on horses is because horses are big and tough, whereas I am small and wimpy. When the horse walks off, the mosquitos that get left behind sometimes decide they should try a little human in their diet... and it HURTS, with the result that the mosquito in question gets splattered. Darwinian selection at work.

How about this: give me something that will ATTRACT and then KILL the mosquitoes. Preferably, something like this.

Need beta testers?

[jtapper]

Spending a summer in Winnipeg will be the ultimate test for this or any other mosquito product.

There was a few weeks this year where I could even use the front door of my house because for wahtever reason the mosquitos liked to congregate on my door. There would be 20-30 on the door and of course they'll get into the house.

The only thing more annoying than mosquitos outside is mosquitos inside.

Be sure to check out the annual mosquito festival in Winnipeg starting May long weekend and going through until labour day, rain or shine. ;)

Other stories

[tod_miller]

New Scientist coverage 22nd Jan
17 th Jan New Scientsit better article

I am convinced if thier search went back to 2000/2001 they had this story back then (about scents that attract mosquitos)

mosquitos are actively being eradicated by technology, developments to ecnourage bats to 'cave' closer to mosquito hotspots, 100watt sound speakers that bust open the guts of larvea under water and my personal favourite, a well aimed pillow in the middle of the night.

bastards.

Re:Needless Editorializing

[RatPh!nk]

Much like any chemical worth its CAS Number, there are a number of names: (ChemFinder.com)
N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide [134-62-3]
Synonyms: Metadelphene; M-DET; Off; Repel; repper-det; repudin; M-deta; 3-methyl-N,N-diethylbenzamide; m-toluic acid diethylamide; ai 3-22542; Autan; baker's antifol; dieltamid; diethyl-m-toluamide; Diethyltoluamide; Chigger-wash; Deet; Delphene; deta-20; Detamide; ENT 20218; flypel; MGK; mgk diethyltoluamide; naugatuck det; N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide; N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide; N,N'-diethyl-m-toluamide; N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide, , min.95% meta-isomer; N,N-diethyltoluamide;