Mosquito Repellent: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Animal fats are found in many everyday products, ranging from foods to cosmetics. Is animal fat the latest and greatest answer to mosquito repellence?

In the relentless battle against mosquitoes, researchers have shifted their focus to centuries-old practices. A study conducted by New Mexico State University (NMSU) and Rice University has explored the efficacy of rancid animal fats, such as bear, alligator, cod, and shark oils, use as mosquito repellents. This new study was influenced by actual historical accounts of Native American practices to effectively repel mosquitoes.

Rediscovering Traditional Mosquito Repellents

Indigenous people along the Gulf Coast are documented to have practiced the applications of aging or rancid fats to repel mosquitoes. These accounts noted not only the fats’ effectiveness, but also the intensely strong odors they produced.

The Stench of Scientific Validation

In order to o assess these traditional methods of mosquito repellency, researchers conducted controlled experiments using a variety of animal fats in different stages of fetidity. They deployed two primary tests to determine efficacy.

Arm-in-Cage Assessment

Volunteers applied the various fats to their skin before placing their arms in cages containing Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to measure bite prevention.

Y-Tube Olfactometer Analysis

This assessed the spatial repellency by observing the mosquitoes’ attraction to treated air streams versus untreated air streams.

The results revealed that rancid fats, especially alligator and cod fats, offered significant mosquito bite protection. However, we must note, like many other types of mosquito repellents, the protection was short-lived. Using fresh animal fats produced minimal, if any, repellency in this study.

What’s more, none of these fats, whether rancid or fresh, repelled ticks.

What Does This Mean for Future Natural Mosquito Repellents?

While the idea of applying rancid animal fat is less-than-appealing today, understanding the chemical properties that deter mosquitoes can inform research and development of new – albethey more palatable repellents. By isolating and combining these compounds, it's possible to create effective, eco-friendly alternatives to current chemical personal mosquito repellents, like DEET.

Search for Las Cruces mosquito control and choose Mosquito Squad.

Mosquito Squad is a trusted mosquito control company in Las Cruces! We are eager to help defend your property against ants, mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, and a wide array of outdoor Las Cruces pests – and rodents too.

We stand behind our pest control treatments with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee!

Get in touch with Mosquito Squad of Las Cruces by filling out our form online or calling us at (575) 221-1787 for a free quote.

Also read: Are tiger mosquitoes in New Mexico?