Scientists from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the University of Mississippi in the United States decided to find out how certain smells that come from a person can affect his attractiveness as a “prey” for mosquitoes. The work was published in the journal iScience.
Previously, researchers found that mosquitoes look for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by plants to find nutrients. Nectar is their main food, the blood of people and animals is already in second place. As it turns out, the hygiene products that we use can change the composition of VOCs, thereby increasing or decreasing the attractiveness of the smell.
Scientists conducted an experiment involving 16 volunteers. The researchers first found out what the subjects’ natural smell was, and then asked everyone to wash for several days with soap with a certain scent. After that, the experts compared how each of the smells (before and an hour after washing) was attractive to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes – the same ones that spread yellow fever and dengue, the Zika virus and other diseases.
It turned out that smells attract mosquitoes the most: lily of the valley; tropical fruits; tropical flowers.
As for aromas that are unpleasant to mosquitoes, they include smells of: watermelon; almonds; coconut.
And the smell of coconut turned out to be the most disgusting for mosquitoes. Therefore, scientists advise: if you want to scare away insects, wash yourself with coconut soap. If you add to this a similar shampoo and toilet water, then only triple your unattractiveness for these bloodsuckers.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
