Mosquitoes can become attracted to insect repellant, study suggests

A recent study suggests that mosquitoes may become attracted to the insect repellent Deet if they learn to associate it with a blood meal. Deet, known chemically as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, is widely used in products recommended by the UK Health Security Agency for protection against mosquito bites.

This finding raises concerns about the effectiveness of Deet as a deterrent, potentially impacting public health strategies aimed at preventing mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and Zika, as mosquitoes may adapt their behavior in response to the chemical.