Reduction of mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) attacks on a human subject by combination of wind and vapor-phase DEET repellent

J Med Entomol. 2002 Nov;39(6):935-8. doi: 10.1603/0022-2585-39.6.935.

Abstract

In a Central Michigan wetland setting, air drawn through a DEET-impregnated screen using an electric fan and projected toward a human subject significantly reduced mosquito orientation by 74%, landing by 75%, and probing by 70%, relative to no applied wind or DEET. The DEET vapor effect was significant as revealed by a statistically significant wind/DEET interaction. The wind speed at the downwind human subject was 0.6 m/s and the DEET vapor concentration was estimated at 2 microg/liter air. We suggest a combination of directed wind and volatile repellent might be developed as a mosquito deterrent strategy for the backyard setting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Culicidae / pathogenicity*
  • DEET / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Insect Bites and Stings / prevention & control*
  • Insect Repellents / toxicity*
  • Michigan
  • Wind

Substances

  • Insect Repellents
  • DEET