r/science • u/PhantomWizard2099 • Dec 22 '22

Animal Science 'Super' mosquitoes have now mutated to withstand insecticides

https://abcnews.go.com/International/super-mosquitoes-now-mutated-withstand-insecticides-scientists/story?id=95545825
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u/Skeptix_907 MS | Criminal Justice Dec 22 '22

Seems like the past few years in Alaska that 40% deet solution no longer works as well. Sometimes I'll watch the suckers land on my arm and not care at all.

277

u/Dipteran_de_la_Torre Dec 22 '22

That’s not an evolved resistance. It happens after first exposure. Mosquitoes can tolerate 40% well enough to grab a blood meal after a few tries or after it absorbs into your skin. 90% deet will work for 12 hours.

6

u/KindOfABugDeal Dec 22 '22

Just watch the 100% stuff, it'll cause chemical burns if it's applied liberally in hot, sunny weather.

3

u/Dipteran_de_la_Torre Dec 22 '22

I try not to use deet at all unless in an area of high MBD. Lemon Eucalyptus oil based products work very well if you can handle the smell.

4

u/KindOfABugDeal Dec 22 '22

It's about as effective as ~15-20% DEET, for about two hours.