Secret repellent may take the sting out of mosquitoes

[Mr T.]

Secret repellent may take the sting out of mosquitoes
By Nic Fleming, Science Correspondent
(Filed: 20/01/2005)

Some people are unattractive to mosquitoes because they exude chemicals that act as a natural repellent, according to a study published today.

Researchers believe they have solved the age-old mystery of why certain unfortunate individuals are bitten more than others.

Contrary to previous theories that say some have more of the chemicals that make them a target, the new study suggests different people have varying ability to produce a natural repellent.

A PhD student and his fellow researchers now hope their discovery will lead to the development of more effective, commercially available repellents.

James Logan, 25, a research student at the Rothamsted agricultural research centre in Hertfordshire, refused to identify the specific chemicals involved because he and his fellow researchers are in the process of patenting their discovery.

He said: "We know certain chemicals attract mosquitoes. We believe everyone has these.

"But people who are unattractive to mosquitoes have something extra.

"We have identified chemicals they give off to mask the odours that would otherwise make them a target for mosquitoes." The new research, published in this month's issue of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council magazine, was a collaboration between Mr Logan and Prof Jenny Mordue, professor of zoology at the University of Aberdeen.

They measured the attractiveness to mosquitoes of different volunteers by putting the insects at the base of a Y-shaped tube through which air was blown and giving them a choice of flying towards the odours of different individuals' hands.

The volunteers were then placed in a foil survival bag. Liquid extracts of their body odours were taken from air blown over them.

This was analysed, allowing the researchers to isolate what they believe to be the chemicals that form natural repellent.

[hopper]

The nasty little bleeders used to eat me alive until I started drinking Gin & Tonic. Larger they loved G&T keeps them away.

I believe its to do with Quinine!!??

Everytime I have one I tell SWMBO its for the mozzies!

[turbanator]

I'll bet Finless is never bitten!

[Kirstie]

Originally Posted by turbanator

I'll bet Finless is never bitten!

Hark who's talking! You're practically a juniper berry!

[hopper]

We've even called our house Junper House but I draw the line at changing my name to Gordon by dead poll. I dont fancy the surname deed poll - but it would be double barreled!

[D.D.J]

hi
the summer before last i was stung to bits by bees and wasps....must have been giving off a vibe to them to sting me....quite luck though last summer...didn t get stung once, how strange i thought. so theres a bit of pointless information for you all.

[Dive In Paphos]

Ok a few years ago before I started working in warmer climes, my ex missus was always getting bitten by mosies. Horrible bites that turned into big ugly blisters.

Anyways was talking to a homeopath (I think thats the right term) and she told me what attracts mosies to different people.

Apparently it is a deficienty of a vitamin called B1. Now girlies are allegedly naturally deficient of this vitamin. So normally get bitten more than blokes. Likewise if anybody drinks a lot of caffeine, this can negate the effect of B1 as well.

Soooo's if you are susceptible to mosie bites get a load of B1 down your neck a week or two before you go away, carry on taking them whilst your away and cut down on your caffeine intake. You should be alright it worked for me ex!

HTH

Jonno