![]() ![]() Dr Lahondere said: "We know ratios of chemicals are extremely important for determining whether mosquitoes are attracted or repelled. Knowing what lures the hungry pests also opens the door to developing better repellents, traps and other methods to keep them at bay. ![]() "All of the soaps contained a chemical called limonene which is a known mosquito repellent but in spite of that being the main chemical in all four soaps, three out of the four soaps we tested increased mosquitoes' attraction." Dr Vinauger said: "What really matters to the mosquito is not the most abundant chemical, but rather the specific associations and combinations of chemicals, not only from the soap, but also from our personal body odours. It boosts females' activity - making them explore surrounding space in search of a host. Humans can’t smell CO2, which we and other animals exhale with each breath. Effects of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2) - another important cue for mosquitoes - were excluded by conducting them on fabric that had absorbed the participants' odours. aegypti can transmit dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika. Like all mosquito species, only females drink blood. The tests were carried out using female Aedes aegypti. Soap-washing significantly changed these - and not only by adding floral fragrances to the mix. Mosquitos are more attracted to certain kinds of soap (Image: Daily Record)Įach participant emitted their own unique odour - some of which were more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Odour profiles of the soaps themselves were also characterised. Chemicals emitted by four human volunteers were analysed both before and an hour after they'd scrubbed with Dial, Dove, Native and Simple Truth. And soaps drastically change the way we smell, not only by adding chemicals, but also by causing variations in the emission of compounds that we are already naturally producing."Ī series of experiments found soap-washing impacted mosquitoes' preferences - depending on types. Theories abound for why some people are mosquito magnets while others get off bite-free.Ĭo-author Dr Chloe Lahondere explained: "Everybody smells different, even after the application of soap your physiological status, the way you live, what you eat, and the places you go all affect the way you smell. Urgent warning issued to all TV licence holders over new scam that 'looks official'Īvoiding the blood suckers this summer may hinge on making the right choice of attire to cover your skin, said the team at Virginia Tech in the US.What is a deposit-free mortgage? The criteria you need to meet and how to apply.Senior author Dr Clement Vinauger said: "It's remarkable the same individual that is extremely attractive to mosquitoes when they are unwashed can be turned even more attractive to mosquitoes with one soap - and then become repellent or repulsive to mosquitoes with another soap." A series of experiments found washing with Dove and Simple Truth increased the attractiveness of some volunteers - while Native tended to deter them. They fly towards or away from specific aromas - once they have got a whiff of human skin. Picking the right soap can help us steer clear of the critters that leave an itchy bite - and carry malaria and other deadly diseases. The pesky insects are drawn to people who use soaps such as Dove or Simple Truth but were put off by coconut-scented brands - including Native, say scientists. Why some people are mosquito magnets could be down to which soap they use in the shower, according to new research. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |