Perfume could potentially become our secret weapon in the ongoing battle against mosquitoes, according to a Swiss fragrance company. Mosquitoes rely on their sense of smell to locate their victims, and certain odors naturally produced by the human body attract them. While some individuals may be more attractive to mosquitoes than others, the truth is that we all smell like a delicious meal to these pests. While bug sprays and treated clothing can provide temporary protection, a Swiss company called dsm-firmenich is working on a solution that could make repelling mosquitoes as easy as washing up in the morning.
dsm-firmenich is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of flavors and fragrances, with a history of using scent expertise to combat disease transmission. Their latest efforts are focused on stopping mosquitoes, which are responsible for killing hundreds of thousands of people each year, particularly children in low-income countries. The company’s goal is to incorporate scents that repel mosquitoes into everyday products, such as bar soap and powdered laundry detergent. By infusing these products with fragrances that naturally repel mosquitoes, individuals can gain added protection without any extra steps or costs.
Creating a bar soap that provides all-day protection against mosquitoes is a complex process that goes beyond simply infusing it with citronella. The scientists at dsm-firmenich have identified a wide array of scent ingredients commonly used in perfumes that repel mosquitoes. Some of these ingredients emit a smell that causes mosquitoes to fly in the opposite direction, while others block receptors in the mosquito’s brain that usually draw them to humans. The challenge lies in finding the right combination of scents that not only repel mosquitoes effectively but also smell clean and fresh.
To test the most promising odors, researchers conducted arm-in-cage tests, where a human arm coated in the fragrance being studied is placed in an enclosed area filled with hundreds of mosquitoes. Sensors track the mosquitoes’ response and whether they bite the arm. Any test resulting in two mosquito bites is considered a failure. The tests have already yielded surprising results, with one of the most effective fragrances being lily-of-the-valley, a light floral scent commonly used in perfumery. Early results suggest that certain lily-of-the-valley odors could be as effective as DEET, a commonly used mosquito repellent.
The next step for dsm-firmenich is to work with product formulation experts and perfumers to find ways to make the scent candidates last all day in consumer products. This is a challenging task, as scent ingredients are fragile and can quickly vanish with activities like washing hands or clothes. Creating a perfume that provides all-day mosquito protection will require a combination of innovative techniques and a complex blend of scents. Additionally, the final product must smell pleasant enough for people to use it daily.
Despite the challenges, there is optimism that the scent experts at dsm-firmenich will find a solution. The Gates Foundation is supporting their research, with the hope that people in high-risk areas will have access to more mosquito protection without any additional effort or expense. By providing children and families with additional tools to protect themselves, lives can be saved, and the threat of mosquito-borne diseases can be significantly reduced. With continued research and innovation, perfume could become a powerful weapon in the war against mosquitoes, taking the bite out of the world’s deadliest animal.
What potential impact could scented products, infused with mosquito-repellent fragrances, have in low-income countries where access to bug sprays and treated clothing may be limited
Mbination of these ingredients to create a fragrance that effectively repels mosquitoes while still being pleasant to humans.
Once the fragrance ingredients are selected, the next step is to incorporate them into everyday products. dsm-firmenich is exploring different methods of infusing fragrances into items like bar soap and laundry detergent, ensuring that the scent remains effective even after multiple uses. The goal is to create products that not only repel mosquitoes but also leave individuals feeling clean and refreshed.
By incorporating mosquito-repellent fragrances into everyday products, dsm-firmenich hopes to provide a simple and convenient solution to the ongoing battle against mosquitoes. Instead of relying solely on bug sprays and treated clothing, individuals can gain added protection by simply using scented bar soap or washing their clothes with powdered laundry detergent. This innovation has the potential to make a significant impact, particularly in low-income countries where access to bug sprays and treated clothing may be limited.
While the research and development process is still ongoing, dsm-firmenich is optimistic about the potential of scented products in repelling mosquitoes. With their expertise in fragrances and flavors, the company is confident in their ability to create effective and safe mosquito-repellent products. By harnessing the power of scent, perfume could become our secret weapon in the fight against these disease-carrying pests.
That’s such an interesting concept! I never knew perfume could be used for mosquito repellent. Can’t wait to try it out!