Something I found interesting this week
As someone who finds the smell of DEET unbearable, I was amazed to learn that the insect repellent may actually attract mosquitoes.
A recent study trained mosquitoes to associate the smell of DEET with a blood meal. Once trained, more than 60% attempted to feed when exposed to DEET alone. When presented with one DEET-treated hand and one untreated, trained mosquitoes were drawn to the treated hand while untrained mosquitoes avoided it, showing a ‘Pavlovian response’ in an insect.
Importantly, the study isn't saying DEET doesn't work. When applied effectively it still prevents bites. However, it does suggest that regular reapplication is important to keep the repellent active.
Sadly, this means I have no legitimate reason to stop my wife applying it in industrial quantities.
In other news
I have the first part of my PADI scuba diving course this week and I'm terrified. I think it’s justified and here are my reasons:
First, five Italian divers sadly died in a Maldives cave system and it's all over my feed. The internet clearly knows what I'm up to. Admittedly, I suspect the pool I'll be practising in won't have an underwater cave system, but still.
Second, I wear contact lenses. Part of the skills assessment involves removing your mask underwater, and I'm convinced I'm going to contract Acanthamoeba, a dangerous waterborne parasite. Changing my lenses afterwards should reduce the risk, but it's on my mind.
Third, the bends. Unlikely when ascending from the bottom of a two metre pool, but worth knowing about.
Despite all of this, I'm hoping that once I understand the risks better I'll have unlocked a new sport. I'll keep you updated, if I live to tell the tale.
👋 For the new joiners: I’m Suraj, also known as Dr Sooj - a primary care doctor & health content creator. I love navigating the complex world of health and wellness and breaking down complicated concepts.
Every Sunday, I share something interesting that weaves together science and medicine with real life. The aim is to help you live happier and healthier, without any fear-mongering!
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Suraj (Doctor Sooj)
References:
Morales-Brown P. Could DEET attract mosquitoes? Study highlights unusual mosquito behavior [Internet]. Medical News Today; 2026 May 29 [cited 2026 May 31]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/could-deet-attract-mosquitoes-study-highlights-unusual-behavior
Claudio R. Lazzari, David De Luca, Ayelén Nally, Charly Dufour, Clément Vinauger; Associative learning switches DEET valence from aversive to appetitive in Aedes aegypti. J Exp Biol 15 May 2026; 229 (10): jeb251935. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.251935