Ancient and modern civilizations have been pestered by mosquitoes for centuries. Fighting these insects has been a constant activity. Repelling them enabled people to avoid diseases and to continue with daily activities. Until this very day, different methods of keeping mosquito bites at bay are still prevalent. The different techniques of doing so through the centuries reflect how much people understand disease transmission and mosquito behavior.
Ancient Mosquito Repellent Techniques
Synthetic chemicals were not always used to fight mosquitoes. Ancient people devised ways to ward off the bites. Mosquitoes were in larger numbers back then, so it was vital to keep them under control as much as we do today. The following are some natural ways that kept people safe in their ancient living environments back in the day:
Fire and smoke are also effective in keeping these biting insects away. The smoke from burning aromatic plants creates an irritating barrier for mosquitoes.
Natural extracts and essential oils are from plants. Some of the effective ones for repelling mosquitoes are mint, eucalyptus, and lavender. Ancient Romans and Greeks used these essential oils to prevent bites. The strong scents kept mosquitoes away.
Plant-based and herbal solutions have insect-repelling properties as well. Ancient Egyptians used garlic and citronella to keep mosquitoes away. Native Americans used sage and wormwood. These solutions have strong smells that mosquitoes dislike.
Modern Science Repellents
Ancient mosquito repellents gave way to modern mosquito repellents. The transformation of these products has been dramatic because of advanced technology. Scientifically tested repellents are more effective and convenient to use.
Putting natural ingredients into the modern formulations is a common practice. Many commercial repellents have ingredients like neem and eucalyptus oil. Combining natural and synthetic compounds can enhance the repellent’s effectiveness. The resulting product is also attractive to environment-friendly people.
Modern synthetic repellents are from manufacturers who use advanced technology to formulate mosquito repellents. IR3535 is an effective and safe product mostly used in Europe. In the 90s, picaridin was introduced to be as effective as DEET but causes less skin irritation and has a more neutral odor.
Innovations in Repelling Mosquitoes
Below are some of the significant innovations in keeping mosquitoes away:
Introducing DEET
The introduction of DEET was part of the breakthrough in mosquito-repellent technology in the 1950s. The U.S. Army developed DEET for military use. It is highly effective in masking the scents that attract mosquitoes, such as body odor and carbon dioxide. DEET is also effective in repelling other biting insects.
Using Genetically Modified (GM) Mosquitoes
GM mosquitoes are engineered to resist pathogens, such as those that cause dengue or malaria. They are designed to reduce the general population of harmful mosquitoes. Scientists believe that GM mosquitoes can be a long-term solution to contracting mosquito-borne illnesses.
Taking Advantage of Smart Repelling
Advanced technology continues to give way to more mosquito-fighting techniques. Smart repellent technology uses algorithms and sensors that detect mosquito activity. Each device activates physical barriers or releases chemical compounds that impact mosquito activity. Smart repellents provide a more efficient and dynamic approach to repelling these biting insects.
Ancient civilizations opened the doors to more elaborate research about repelling mosquitoes and controlling mosquito populations. The ancient formulations continue to spark motivation in scientists who never tire of coming up with mosquito-repellent innovations.