Always screwed when it’s mosquito time? Maybe you should change your soap | Science & Planet

Four participants participated in the study. Scientists first looked at the fabric worn by them to see who had the most attractive odor for mosquitoes, and then tested whether that result was the same after they had washed themselves with soap. A total of four types of soap were used. These are popular brands in America, one of which is also very well known to us: Dove, Dial, Native and Simple Truth.

Dove and Simple Truth were found to clearly increase attractiveness to mosquitoes. Native turned out to make people less popular with mosquitoes. The researchers, who published in the journal iSciencenow conclude that people can use soap to change their own odor profile, and thus be less bothered by mosquitoes.

And for those who are now wondering which soap can be chosen in Belgium: it is probably wise to go for one with coconut scent regardless of any brand. Because it appears that coconut oil is a natural mosquito repellent, the study shows. In the meantime, it is wise to avoid floral scents. However, this is not an iron law: the combination of the smell of people themselves also influences the effect of the soap, according to the researchers. Earlier it became clear in other studies that, for example, certain blood groups are more popular with mosquitoes than others.

Earlier this week it was announced that a true “mosquito explosion” is expected due to the recent hot and humid weather. All tips that can help against those annoying mosquito bites are therefore welcome. Maybe changing your soap once can mean redemption for you.

The researchers also emphasize that their work is not just a luxury on a summer evening. Mosquitoes still spread serious diseases, such as dengue fever or malaria, that claim the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every year.

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