In a tropical country like ours, mosquito repellants are a mainstay in many moms’ bags. But did you know that a recent study found that perfume can double as an anti-dengue mosquito spritz for you and the kids?
According to research done at the New Mexico State University, Victoria’s Secret Bombshell perfume was able to repel mosquitoes consistently for two hours!
The study wanted to see if fruity, floral scents did attract mosquitoes
Researchers wanted to find out if sweet, fruit-like scents really did attract the insects. They were quite surprised when Victoria’s Secret Bombshell line was the most effective repellant! This perfume is known for its sweet, fruity and floral smell.
Here are the highlights of their research:
- The study used the Asian Tiger and yellow fever mosquitoes, which are known for transmitting dengue fever.
- Scents containing DEET or N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide showed the most effective mosquito-shooing effect out of all the perfumes tested.
- Victoria’s Secret Bombshell perfume was the most effective repellant, even when worn by someone who is genetically unable to repel mosquitoes through natural body pheromones.
- Other repellants like citronella and geraniol did repel mosquitoes but not as effectively as perfumes and sprays that contained DEET.
How was the research done?
The experiment was conducted by spraying one bare hand with a sample of perfume and keeping the other hand gloved.
The test subject then put one hand each in two contained, transparent boxes. The mosquitoes were released into the boxes and observed for a time.
If the mosquitoes did not touch the sprayed hand, did not move or simply stayed on the edges of the box, the researchers considered the perfume used as an effective anti-mosquito spray or substance.
They are also going to test anti-mosquito stickers and clips, and will publish results in the near future.
What do you think, mommies? Are you going to use DEET-laced perfumes more often now?
Read: How to deal with dengue before it strikes
If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines
