Researchers trained mosquitoes by letting them taste warm blood while the smell of DEET was nearby. They repeated this training four times. After training, more than 60% of the insects tried to feed when they only smelled DEET.
In a second test, trained mosquitoes went to a hand treated with DEET, while untrained insects avoided it. The same learning happened when sugar was the reward. The researchers say DEET still works and people should not stop using it. They advise reapplying DEET regularly and note that DEET on clothing can lose strength over time.
Difficult words
- researcher — person who studies something to learnResearchers
- train — teach an animal to do somethingtrained, training
- mosquito — small flying insect that bites peoplemosquitoes
- smell — a scent you notice with the nosesmelled
- reward — something given after good or desired action
- reapply — put a product on again after some timereapplying
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you reapply DEET regularly after using it? Why or why not?
- Would you put DEET on your skin or on clothing? Explain briefly.
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