Can My Shampoo, Lotion, Deodorant or Perfume Attract Mosquitoes?
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Does my aroma Attract Mosquitoes?
Did you know that mothers give out a smell that connects them to their children? A newborn prefers the odor of his or her mother over any other woman, and they even experience a calming effect. Odors are incredible and they really do have an unbelievable effect on human interaction and attractions. The companies that create perfumes, lotions, deodorants and other aromas understand the importance of smell. They know that smells are much more than a mere experience for your olfactory sense. There is another side to this, an undesirable side, these certain odors can actually attract mosquitoes.
What Aromas can Attract Mosquitoes?
Sugars are what mosquitoes need in order to produce energy, which is why they are attracted to sweet, sugary, or flowery fragrances. Research shows that mosquitoes do not necessarily see humans first, they most likely smell them first. Avoiding flower-like colors is advisable; wearing dark colors is a good idea. Brown or khaki are colors to consider.
So what aromas attract mosquitoes?
- Fragrant soaps
- Perfumes that have a sweet, flowery, or rose-like aroma
- Fragrant shampoos
- Fragrant body lotions
- Colognes
- Fragrant deodorants
Fragrance is what attracts these insects, so do odorless and you will most likely be a mosquito-free and happy individual.
Why do you Need a Mosquito Repellent?
Did you know that mosquitoes can smell you from 50 meters away? A recent study shows that mosquitoes are attracted to natural aromas, as well as the aforementioned ones. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. Of course, this is something that we cannot eliminate as it is natural. Experts have shown that larger human beings are the ones who attract these insects more because they are releasing much more carbon dioxide. This fact makes adults and pregnant women at risk. Physical activity will produce sweat, which carries lactic acid. This has a distinct smell which is quite attractive to mosquitoes as well.
Repellents Available to You
- Deet is one of the effective ways of repelling mosquitoes. It can protect you for about 5 hours.
- Picaridin is another good repellent which works as well as Deet, but is odorless and has a clean feel on the skin.
- Avon’s Skin So Soft is another option.
- Metofluthrin relies on a fan, and does not necessarily have to be placed on the skin. It provides you with an atmosphere that will repel those pesky pests.
Natural Repellents
The aforementioned solutions are based on chemicals, which to some may sound like something they would prefer to avoid. However, mosquitoes are still an issue for those who want natural solutions. Thankfully, there is a solution for those who are unfriendly towards chemicals.
- Soybean based oil was shown to protect from mosquitoes for 1.5 hours.
- Citronella Oil offers a short term relief.
- Cedar Oil gives you a short term relief.
- Peppermint Oil is another oil that gives you a short term relief.
- Lemongrass Oil offers a short term relief.
- Geranium Oil will give you a short term relief.
- Eucalyptus Oil has been shown to give you a long term relief from mosquitoes.
- “Don’t Bite Me” rely on the study that Thiamine or B1 produces an odor that female mosquitoes dislike. It is a very popular repellent among those who prefer lesser chemicals.
If you do not like any of these products, there are mosquito traps as well. They release odors that attract female mosquitoes (yup turning the tables on them) and kills them. There is also a new line of clothing that is infused with a chemical insecticide called permethrin, which allows you to wear your repellent. It seems that there are several options out there to help you against this winged army of blood sucking vermin.
But if you really want to keep mosquitoes away, skip the perfumes and scented lotions while outdoors.