Victoria’s Secret Perfume Is Almost as Powerful as DEET

[n2doc]

Researchers at New Mexico State University have published findings in the Journal of Insect Science indicating that Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Eau de Parfum is unexpectedly good at repelling mosquitos—almost as effective as commercial insect repellants containing the active ingredient DEET.

The paper wasn’t specifically about perfume and mosquitos. Rather, the focus was to test the relative effectiveness of alternative “natural” styles of insect repellent that do not contain DEET. From the paper: “fear of possible side effects of DEET and general chemophobia has resulted in the development of a multitude of “DEET-free” mosquito repellents with a variety of active ingredients.” The researchers also wanted to test claims that floral scents attract mosquitoes.

The researchers tested the effectiveness of 10 different substances across two species of mosquito. These substances ranged from commercial DEET-containing insect repellants, to “natural” DEET-free alternatives, to simple fragrances, as well as vitamin B1-containing patches purported to have insect-repelling properties.

To test the effectiveness of these substances, 20 mosquitos (raised on chicken blood and cat food, of all things) were introduced into the bottom end of a Y-shaped tube. This end also housed a computer fan to provide modest yet constant airflow away from the other two ends. At the other ends were the hands one of the co-authors selected “based on preliminary attraction studies that found her to be a superior attractant.” As someone who has anecdotally demonstrated superior attractiveness to mosquitoes, I can sympathize.

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http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/12/victoria-s-secret-perfume-is-almost-as-powerful-as-deet.html

[flamingdem]

1. This is useful information

I'm planning a trip to the carribean and they have a dengue problem there plus people wear a ton of perfume so hey.. when in Rome, or Havana..

[Mendocino]

2. DEET

is harmful. When I did use it on backwoods trips years ago, sometimes my joints would ache, my breathing became labored, had dizziness and headaches. The stuff can strip some paints and varnishes, dissolves some synthetic fabrics. No thanks, I now use some citrus and other natural ingredient based repellents. I also avoid trips from late May till August in bug infested areas.

[NV Whino]

3. I like this

So does this mean that you should be using Bombshell perfume to ward of mosquitos at your next picnic? Probably not. As the researchers noted above, the amount of perfume used was “rather high” and given that a bottle costs $50-$60 over DEET or Lemon Eucalyptus insect repellents that both cost less than $10, you can save a lot of money without smelling like a warehouse full of jungle-flower petals.

[MisterP]

4. there's a "chemophobia" now? isn't DuPont ADORABLE when it tries to dip its toe into psychology?

wait, I mean "hideously corrupting of our public discourse"

[tabasco]

5. Something called "Skin So Soft" was popular as a bug repellant when I was in the Army

But I always used the regular bug juice.