American researchers have identified chemicals in scented soaps that can influence mosquito behavior. The finding was reported in a study examining how soap fragrances affect bloodsucking insects.
The investigation involved 16 volunteers. Skin scent samples were collected from them, after which they used a specific brand of soap for several days under tightly controlled conditions. New skin odor samples were collected again from the same volunteers and compared to determine which scent the mosquitoes preferred. The results showed that only one of the four brands studied repelled mosquitoes, while the other three tended to attract them.
Subsequent work explored how various scented molecules in this soap influenced mosquito responses. Three aromatic compounds associated with tropical fruit and floral notes, along with a lily scent, and a compound with a lily-of-the-valley fragrance, strongly drew the insects’ attention. In addition, researchers pinpointed three more molecules—benzyl benzoate, benzaldehyde, and nonalactone—that were linked to a reduced likelihood of mosquito attack on the volunteers.
The researchers hope that these insights will help soapmakers consider the behavioral traits of bloodsucking insects and work toward developing soaps with repellant properties.
“Bagels” and prehistoric life claims in unrelated text are not part of the scientific discussion and do not pertain to the study above. These lines do not alter the main scientific narrative and are not representative of the research findings.