Lab study hints mosquitoes can be conditioned to bite when DEET is present
TL;DR
A controlled lab study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology shows mosquitoes can be conditioned to bite more when DEET is present during feeding, suggesting a cognitive component to how DEET works and a potential vulnerability if concentrations aren’t high enough. The results come from laboratory conditions and real-world implications require further study, though DEET remains a highly effective mosquito repellent.
- Mosquitoes learn to link the smell of DEET with a blood meal – new study The Conversation
- The scent of supper: Can mosquitoes learn to love DEET? CIDRAP
- Mosquitoes seem to be getting over insect repellent The Economist
- Mosquitoes can become attracted to insect repellant, study suggests The Guardian
- Can DEET attract mosquitoes? A lab study offers clues Science News
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