Why the Same Mosquito Repellent Works for Others but Not for You

Not everyone responds to mosquito repellents in the same way. What matters is that body chemistry, skin microbiome, sweat makeup, and body temperature all play a role in how mosquitoes perceive people. Anything that can trigger their sense of smell or sight can attract them, and there’s a rule of nature that if one behavior works for a certain person, it might not work for another as the mosquitoes use these cues to find their targets.

Environmental effects also have an effect. Topical repellents may lose efficacy with high humidity, wind, and heavy perspiration, necessitating more frequent reapplication. The active ingredients (whether they’re DEET, picaridin, essential oils, or something else entirely) and the proportions of them in the bug spray can also produce different results based on how your skin reacts, as well as how the scents of the ingredients combine.

For improved protection, use repellents in conjunction with environmental controls. Protection is improved by wearing long sleeves, avoiding peak mosquito hours and removing standing water from around your home. Accepting the fact individual variations among people are a reality can help you customize your mosquito control to suit your needs.