How To Build A Scent Smorgasbord For Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are attracted to hosts by various factors, including heat, moisture, movement, and most significantly, scents. Mosquitoes are not...

Mosquitoes are attracted to hosts by various factors, including heat, moisture, movement, and most significantly, scents.

Mosquitoes are notorious pests that can ruin outdoor activities and leave you itching for days. While most people seek ways to repel these insects, there are situations where attracting mosquitoes might be beneficial. To study how the African malaria mosquito homes in on its human targets, researchers built an enormous “flight cage.” in rural Zambia.

For a bloodthirsty, global health threat, the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, has surprisingly discriminating taste. It prefers feeding on humans to other animals, is more attracted to some people than others and even then appears to have a particular predilection for feet. “Despite being quite tiny, the African malaria mosquito has a very powerful sense of smell,” Conor McMeniman, a vector biologist at Johns Hopkins University, said. “And it also can be quite choosy.”

Scientists have spent decades trying to decode the chemistry of mosquito attraction, working to identify precisely which odors they are drawn to and why some people are mosquito magnets. To explore such questions, researchers have often released the insects into small laboratory wind tunnels stocked with used socks or sweat-coated glass beads.

But Dr. McMeniman wanted to better replicate the way that the mosquito selects its targets in the real world. “We really wanted to create a spacious sort of home away from home for the Anopheles gambiae mosquito,” he said, “where we compete multiple sources of human odor against each other to see what they like best.”

And so, he and his colleagues built a 4,300-square-foot “flight cage” at the Macha Research Trust, a health research institute in southern Zambia. The structure became the centerpiece of an elaborate experimental system involving sleeping volunteers, customized canvas tents, precisely warmed hot plates and mosquito-tracking cameras.

Although the research is in early stages, the scientists hope that learning more about “the sensory biology of how mosquitoes track and hunt humans” could lead to better mosquito lures and repellents and, ultimately, new strategies for tackling malaria, Dr. McMeniman said.

For scientific research, mosquito control, or even artistic installations, creating a scent smorgasbord can help lure these buzzing creatures. In this guide, we'll explore various methods to attract mosquitoes using scents, so let's delve into the world of mosquito magnetism!

Blood-engorged Anopheles gambiae. It prefers feeding on humans to other animals and is more attracted to some people than others.Andrew Hammond Anopheles gambiae is “the night owl of the mosquito world,” Dr. McMeniman said, so the experiments began in the evening. At 8 p.m., one researcher entered the flight cage with a container of 200 hungry mosquitoes, released the insects and then quickly exited. (The mosquitoes were bred in a lab and did not carry the parasites that cause malaria.)

Understanding Mosquito Attraction

Mosquitoes are attracted to hosts by various factors, including heat, moisture, movement, and most significantly, scents. Female mosquitoes, which are the ones that bite, are drawn to carbon dioxide (CO2), lactic acid, and other organic compounds emitted by humans and animals. By mimicking these attractive scents, you can create an irresistible trap for mosquitoes.

1. Use Lactic Acid Sources: Lactic acid is a potent mosquito attractant, and you can create a lactic acid source by fermenting certain materials. Mix equal parts of sugar and water in a container, add some active dry yeast, and cover the opening with a cloth or plastic wrap. The yeast will consume the sugar, producing CO2 and lactic acid, which will attract mosquitoes.
2. Employ Octenol: Octenol is a compound found in human breath and sweat that is highly attractive to mosquitoes. It can be purchased in attractant cartridges specifically designed for mosquito traps. Place these cartridges in your designated area to enhance the mosquito-attracting power of your scent smorgasbord.
3. Add Floral Scents: Mosquitoes are also attracted to floral scents, especially those of certain species of flowers. Incorporate floral fragrances such as lavender, marigold, or geranium into your scent smorgasbord to entice mosquitoes. You can use essential oils, scented candles, or even fresh flowers strategically placed in the area.
4. Consider Skin-Based Scents: Mosquitoes are drawn to the scents emitted by human skin, such as sweat and body odor. While this may not be the most pleasant idea, strategically placing sweaty clothing or socks around the area can help attract mosquitoes. However, exercise caution and ensure these items are not accessible to children or pets.
5. Experiment with Artificial Lures: In addition to natural scents, there are commercially available mosquito lures that can be used to enhance your scent smorgasbord. These lures contain chemical compounds that mimic human or animal scents, effectively attracting mosquitoes to the desired location.

Building a scent smorgasbord to attract mosquitoes can be an interesting endeavor for scientific research, mosquito control, or artistic purposes. By understanding the scents that mosquitoes find enticing, you can create an irresistible trap to draw them in. 

Remember to exercise caution and prioritize safety when setting up your scent smorgasbord, ensuring that it is positioned away from living areas and properly secured to prevent unintended consequences. Whether you're fascinated by these insects or aiming to control their population, exploring the world of mosquito attraction can provide valuable insights and create unique experiences.