California (Web Desk) – A new scientific study has revealed surprising findings regarding mosquito behavior and the effectiveness of commonly used repellents.
Published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, the study suggests that mosquitoes not only have learning abilities but can also gradually adapt to or tolerate the smell of the widely used repellent DEET over time.
DEET, also known by its chemical name N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, is one of the most commonly used ingredients worldwide for protection against mosquito bites. According to the UK Health Security Agency, repellents containing 50% DEET are considered among the most effective mosquito protection methods.
The study was led by researcher Claudio Lazzari at the University of Tours in France. It found that mosquitoes can be trained to associate the smell of DEET with the opportunity to obtain blood, indicating a learned behavioral response.
Scientists previously believed that repellents work purely through chemical properties—either by repelling mosquitoes or blocking their ability to detect humans. However, this new research challenges that assumption.
According to Lazzari, the findings show that mosquito responses can change through experience and learning processes.
He added that this discovery represents an important shift in scientific understanding of repellents and may pave the way for new mosquito control strategies in the future.