menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

This Common Bug Spray Ingredient Might Actually Make You More Delicious to Mosquitoes

6 0
01.06.2026

Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer.

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

4 Magazines Delivered to Your Door

This Common Bug Spray Ingredient Might Actually Make You More Delicious to Mosquitoes

Share on X (Opens in new window)X

Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook

Share using Native toolsShareCopied to clipboard

I knew it. I called it years ago, and I didn’t need to conduct any scientific research. I always knew deep down, just below my mosquito bite-laden surface, that insect repellent is just salad dressing for bugs. It doesn’t make them go away; it just makes you more delicious.

That’s essentially the finding of new research detailed in the Journal of Experimental Biology, where scientists discovered mosquitoes can actually learn to associate DEET, the world’s most popular insect repellent ingredient, with food. In some cases, the bugs may even........

© Vice