With summer looming, so are those pesky mosquitos — and unfortunately, we’ve got some bad news for you: A new study says the contrary little critters may not mind your bug spray at all. In fact, they kinda like it, because it reminds them of their favorite food. (That, of course, would be YOU.)
In a Pavlov’s dog type experiment, scientists found it only took 3 exposures to DEET before 60% of the mosquitos started to feed when they smelled it! DEET, of course, is the go-to for warding them off.
What’s even worse? When they offered the ‘skeeters two hands — one with DEET and one without — guess which one they picked? Yep, the one with the bug spray.
The good news is, that appears to only be the case when DEET’s concentration is fading, so as long as you reapply often, it still works.
The bad news is, if you don’t, you may suddenly turn into the most delicious bug buffet in town.