The Science Behind Mosquito Repellent Formulas: How They Really Work

Mosquitoes are repelled by a number of repellents, but the effectiveness derives from science, not lucky guesses. Most formulas operate by disrupting the mosquito’s ability to sense you, blocking out the cues that mosquitoes use to identify humans — flavors such as body heat, carbon dioxide or sweat. This makes it more difficult for mosquitoes to locat e and bit e you.

Repellents work by utilizing different types of active ingredients to produce this repellent effect. Chemical formulas, such as DEET or picaridin, offer powerful and enduring protection by essentially poisoning the insect through direct effects on its nervous system. Plant-based or natural repellents — like citronella, lemongrass or eucalyptus — work by diffusing a scent that mosquitoes hate, which forms a protective barrier around the wearer.

Giving an insight into the working of these formulas, allows users to use them more efficiently. Careful use; not only following safety warnings, but also combining various repellent methods — say, sprays, or coils, or wearable devices — can increase protection. Using the same science as, insect repellents, people can dispel mosquitoes with ease, in an effective and safe way.