A medical myth persists that the B vitamin thiamine is a systemic insect repellent that wards off mosquitoes when taken orally. But scientists have disproven this mistaken belief again and again.
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Articles on Mosquito bites
Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 articles
Mosquitoes can track down potential hosts using the CO2 released by humans’ metabolic processes, a medical entomologist explains.
Certain viruses like dengue and Zika can make their hosts smell tastier to mosquitoes. Luckily, vitamin A and its derivatives may help combat these odor changes.
Around 99% of people infected with JEV will have no or very mild symptoms. But in less than 1% of cases, it can become serious.
Summer is no fun when mosquitoes are biting. Insect repellent creams, sprays, and lotions are safe and effective but there are alternatives. Here’s what works and what doesn’t!
What we call mosquitoes are actually 3500 different types of insects, and they all behave differently.
Summer can bring out the bugs. Here’s what to do if you miss a spot when applying insect repellent.
Summer is here, and so are the mozzies. So what do you need to consider when you’re picking a mosquito repellent?
Mosquitoes love the wetter weather La Niña brings to some parts of Australia. But will we see more mosquito-borne disease?
Mosquitoes are responsible for a number of potentially deadly illnesses, but they’re highly unlikely to be playing a role in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cream was found to boost the body’s anti-viral immune response, stopping mosquito-borne viruses in their tracks.
Temperatures are soaring and bushfires are decimating Australia’s wildlife. So how can we avoid creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes when putting water out for thirsty birds and animals?
Nuisance-biting and mosquito-borne disease are ongoing concerns for health authorities. But an effective citizen science program is now showing how all of us can help beat the bite of mozzies.
It’s tempting to ditch the mozzie creams and sprays, and switch to clothing that has its own “built in” bug repellent instead. But the technology isn’t quite there yet.
Yes, giant mosquitoes are a thing. They’re specialized to wait out the dry times only to emerge from their eggs when high water provides the perfect larval environment.
Those “itchy bites” are actually reactions to mozzie spit.
The sounds of mosquitoes may be annoying to many but tuning into their musical whines could help design new mosquito traps. Just don’t expect sounds from your smartphone to protect you from bites!
Bananas, garlic, vitamin B and beer. There is little scientific evidence backing claims that what we eat and drink changes how likely we are to be bitten by mosquitoes.
Mosquito coils can help beat the bite of mosquitoes are most effective outdoors, and best avoided in closed, indoor settings.
Anopheles arabiensis is the world’s most common, malaria-carrying mosquito. Now it’s emerged that chickens emit an odour that can repel the deadly insects.
Top contributors
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Cameron Webb is a Friend of The Conversation.Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, University of Sydney
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Professor and Dean of Programs (Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences), University of South Australia
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Group leader, University of Leeds
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Professor in the Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
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Assistant Professor of Entomology, North Carolina State University
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Medical scientist, National Institute for Communicable Diseases
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Postdoctoral research assisstant, University of Glasgow
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Research Fellow at the University of Sydney, University of South Australia
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Biologist, University of South Australia
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Manager of Vector Surveillance, University of South Australia
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Associate Professor, Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney
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Associate Professor of Entomology, National Taiwan University
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Assistant Professor of Immunology, University of Connecticut
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Emeritus Professor of Medical Entomology, University of Florida
