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Mosquitoes can learn to like DEET smell (Level A1) — a close up of a mosquito on a human's skin

Mosquitoes can learn to like DEET smellCEFR A1

31 May 2026

Adapted from Tom Soladay - Virginia Tech, Futurity CC BY 4.0

Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
67 words
  • Mosquitoes can learn to like certain smells.
  • Many people use DEET each summer to stop mosquito bites.
  • Scientists gave mosquitoes warm blood to eat.
  • They added the smell of DEET nearby.
  • After training, mosquitoes went to the DEET smell.
  • Trained mosquitoes chose the hand with DEET.
  • The same happened when sugar was used.
  • Researchers say people should keep using DEET.
  • They advise reapplying DEET regularly on skin.

Difficult words

  • mosquitoa small flying insect that bites people
    Mosquitoes
  • bitewhen an insect makes your skin hurt
    bites
  • trainto teach an animal or insect to do something
    training, Trained
  • smellthe odor you notice with your nose
    smells
  • researchera person who studies things to learn facts
    Researchers
  • reapplyto put a product on again after the first time
    reapplying

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Do you use insect repellent in summer?
  • Have you ever been bitten by a mosquito?
  • How often do you reapply repellent or spray?

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