Nature’s Own Mosquito Repellant
A study has discovered two insect-emitted “kairomones” that repel mosquitoes naturally, keeping them from laying eggs in the area.
Many people have heard of pheromones, which influence behavior in another member of the same species. But fewer have heard of predator-released kairomones, or PRKs, compounds detected by a member of a different species and frequently used to its advantage.
Researchers found that the backswimmer (N. maculate), a natural mosquito predator, emits two hydrocarbons called n-heneicosane and n-tricosane. If female mosquitoes approaching a pool of water to lay eggs detect these kairomones in the air, most do not land. Instead, they move on seeking another safer body of water – if they don’t die before succeeding. The scientists assert that the discovery of these two compounds and others that may yet be discovered, could produce an environmentally-friendly way to repel and control disease-carrying insects. Most diseases transmitted to humans by mosquitoes – causing over 2 million deaths a year – come from the older female, making this particular discovery especially useful.
This study was published in the July 2010 issue of the journal Ecology Letters and can be read online, with either journal subscription at: http://bit.ly/a3vHzE
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