One study found that soapy scents can make humans more attractive targets for mosquitoes because of their nectar-like smell .
The scientists behind the study – published in the journal iScience – show that when not feeding, mosquitoes replenish their sugars with plant nectar.
New research shows that soap can make people more attractive to mosquitoes.
Meanwhile, bathing with scented soap makes people smell both the scent of flowers and the smell of blood, described Clément Vinauger, who led the study at the Polytechnic Institute and Virginia State University (USA).
“It’s like waking up and smelling something that’s both coffee and baked goods. Very attractive,” he said.
However, the study also notes that different soap users have a different attraction to mosquitoes , possibly due to an interaction between soap and each person’s unique body odor.
“There are individuals who are extremely suckers when they have not showered, and when using certain soaps they may become more attractive to mosquitoes, but can also keep mosquitoes away when using another type of soap,” said Vinauger. speak.
The study recruited four volunteers to submit sleeve samples that they wore unwashed or after washing with four different brands of soap. The team observed the number of female mosquitoes perched on fabric samples to determine their preference.
Cloth was used instead of volunteers putting their hands in mosquito boxes, to eliminate the impact of exhaled CO2 , another important marker of attractiveness to mosquitoes.
Dove, Dial and Simple Truth soaps enhance the appeal of some fabrics, but not all. Meanwhile, the smell of Native soap tends to repel mosquitoes.
Scientists suggest that Native’s relative repellency may be related to the soap’s coconut scent, as there is some evidence that coconut oil is a natural mosquito repellent.