As we near the end of 2013, National Geographic has released its list of top shared stories this year.
#10 on the list was a mosquito-related topic: New Mosquito Repellent Made, “Better Than Anything Else”
The article discusses a new repellent being developed by USDA Agricultural Research Service chemist Ulrich Bernier. The formula uses human compounds homopiperazine and 1-methylhomopiperazine to block mosquitoes’ sense of smell and is reportedly much more effective than DEET.
As you may already know, mosquitoes locate their targets by sniffing out various chemicals and bacteria on human skin. Repellents work by deterring bugs with an unpleasant odor. However, the new formula reportedly blocks the smell instead of giving off a bad smell to the bugs. Further testing is needed before the new repellent will be on the market.
We here at Mosquito Squad are excited about innovations in mosquito control and efforts to curb mosquito-borne disease. We’ll be sharing more mosquito-related news here on our blog, as we aim to give you the buzz on these biting bugs.
Mosquito Squad of Greater Washington, DC, is a niche outdoor pest control company on a mission to help Washingtonians take back their backyard from the bugs! We offer mosquito and tick control services for both residential and commercial clients inside the Beltway in the greater DC region. To find out more information about our barrier spray services and how you can “fight the bite” in your own backyard, please visit our DC Mosquito Squad website.
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