2023-12-28 06:56:30
Home radio replay The science ticket
The tick, easy prey for ants, knows how to detect their proximity using chemical signals. A study published Wednesday suggests that these same signals might be used in humans as an insect repellent.
Published on 12/28/2023 07:56
Reading time: 2 min After laboratory tests, scientists from Canada’s Simon Fraser University were able to confirm that ticks react to the venom/pheromone combination of ants. (illustrative photo, June 3, 2022). (ALEXANDRE MARCHI / MAXPPP)
Difficult to get rid of ticks, but that might change thanks to Canadian researchers. These scientists are trying to develop a product capable of repelling these critters which, as we know, tend to cling to the skin when we walk in nature.
Unfortunately, ticks are well known for transmitting Lyme disease, a condition that is sometimes difficult to diagnose and can be very debilitating. Fatigue, muscle pain, dizziness, the symptoms are varied and the treatments are limited. As for repellent products, anti-tick products, there really aren’t any. Hence this research carried out by a team from the Canadian Simon Fraser University, published Wednesday December 27 in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
Ants sources of inspiration
Researchers found that some ants produced chemical signals that might repel ticks. This is the case of a common ant in Canada, named Formica oreas. It emits its usual venom, formic acid, and pheromones to mark its territory. A cocktail which, scientists knew, helps repel certain predators such as spiders or bees. So they assumed it might work with ticks. After laboratory tests, these scientists from Canada’s Simon Fraser University were able to confirm that ticks react to the venom/pheromone combination, whether natural or artificial.
Scientists still have many experiments to carry out to develop a possible repellent that can be used by humans. While waiting for a miracle product, to protect yourself from ticks, the first advice is to cover up to prevent ticks from clinging to your skin and biting you. Some also recommend the use of essential oils or mosquito spray. But these repellents are not scientifically validated. Finally, if the tick nevertheless manages to overcome all these obstacles, it must be removed, taking care to remove it entirely without crushing it.
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