The Buzz On Preventing Insect Bites: How To Repel Ticks And Mosquitoes

Many people don’t know how to protect themselves from insect bites, despite the toll of Lyme, dengue, West Nile, and other infections. A 2016 survey found that almost a quarter of adults in the US could not identify even a single active ingredient in insect repellents. Even worse, 82% believed that some products were protective despite the evidence. Citronella was the most common chemical mistakenly thought to be effective. More people know they need to apply sunscreen compared to insect repellents.

It’s easy to take precautions and significantly reduce your risk of infection. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Learn about the insect’s behavior and habitat

Mosquitoes are attracted to us by chemicals produced as we sweat—lactic acid and 1-octen-3-ol—and carbon dioxide. More recent studies show that Aedes aegypti is also drawn to decanal and undecanal. These are chemicals in our sebum, an oily material secreted by our skin’s sebaceous glands. Another study found carboxylic acid in our skin to be an important attractant. These are important findings because they may lead to better insect repellents.


Continue reading the full article written by Judy Stone here.

DERNIÈRE MISE À JOUR

February 7, 2025

Rédigé par
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Forbes

Mentions dans les médias de Forbes

Forbes, la page d'accueil de l'actualité et de l'analyse des affaires, est l'une des ressources les plus fiables pour les cadres supérieurs, leur fournissant les rapports en temps réel, les commentaires sans compromis, les outils pertinents et la communauté proactive dont ils ont besoin pour réussir.

Explorer plus de contenu

Mentions dans les médias

This lightweight, 2-ounce filter removes bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment, and 100 per cent of microplastics.

Mia Wandl
Associate Producer

Mentions dans les médias

Sawyer’s insect repellent is also very effective for ticks and biting flies, and it won’t damage gear or equipment.

Tori Peglar
Rédacteur

Mentions dans les médias

This repellent, made from 20% Picaridin, provides up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, and up to 8 hours against biting flies, gnats, chiggers and sand flies.

Liste des bébés
Mentions dans les médias de la liste des bébés