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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."

2 of 61 comments (clear)

  1. Carbon Dioxide by digitalchinky · · Score: 4, Interesting

    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...

  2. B-complex by cbiffle · · Score: 4, Interesting

    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.