2023-06-30 19:00:03
News JVTech “Some people are real mosquito magnets”: here are the scientists’ tips for avoiding bites this summer
Published on 06/30/2023 at 21:00
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The summer season rhymes with open windows, drafts at night, light clothing… and mosquito bites! What are the most effective solutions to combat this scourge of summer?
Enjoying the summer in complete relaxation is often a real pleasure, which can nevertheless be ruined by an always unwanted guest: the mosquito. This insect, it should be known, is in reality deadliest animal in the worldthanks to its ability to transmit diseases as serious as dengue or malaria.
Of course, unless you visit an exotic country without being vaccinated, there is probably no real risk of being bitten by a mosquito, especially in France. But that does not mean that this situation is not highly unpleasant!
First of all, you have to know that only female mosquitoes bite. These ladies need the proteins contained in the blood of their victims to produce eggs. Conclusion : the more you get bitten by mosquitoes, the more you actively contribute to their proliferation. Terrible fact!
And of course, mosquitoes don’t just suck your blood : they take advantage of it to inject a cocktail of proteins, which will in particular prevent the blood from clotting. It’s this unwanted cocktail that scratches and stings when you finally realize that a mosquito has been there.
It remains to be seen why some people are bitten more than others. In a study published last May, American scientists revealed that mosquitoes are more attracted to “strong” smells, in particular linked to carboxylic acids in suspension in the air. These acids are produced by bacteria present on human skinand they are not felt by humans.
Conversely, the odors emitted by eucalyptol, present in certain plants, tend to repel mosquitoes. It is found in certain essential oils, in particular, without much surprise, in that of Eucalyptus.
Which product to repel mosquitoes?
There are a wide variety of products on the market intended to repel mosquitoes. But scientists are adamant: no solution is 100% reliable. However, the research carried out on the solutions to repel them is conclusive: “This discovery opens up approaches to develop lures or repellents that can be used in traps to disrupt the host-seeking behavior of mosquitoes, thereby controlling malaria vectors in regions where the disease is endemic.”says Dr. Edgar Simulundu, who participated in the study.
In the absence of a miracle product, you can always install mosquito nets on your windows, equip yourself with an electric racket, and put eucalyptus on the edge of your windows. Also try to avoid letting water stagnate on your balcony: it is a favorable place for egg laying. Finally, by using a fan near you, you can also destabilize these annoying little beasts in flight!
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