How does the chemical and physical properties of insect repellents such as DEET, Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus help them to repel insects?
2006-06-29 05:03:14 · 3 answers · asked by valer16 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
The active ingredients in repellents make the person unattractive for feeding. Repellents do not kill mosquitoes. Repellents are effective only at short distances from the treated surface, so you may still see mosquitoes flying nearby.
2006-06-29 05:10:34 · answer #1 · answered by queeneazy420 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, repellants like citronella, are mimics of insect panic/alarm pheromones. When they come in contact with the substance, their brain signals panic and they leave the area. DEET and other insecticides have several different modes of action, depending on the substance, that can cause them to die from poisoning, suffocation or even premature development, i.e. molting before their bodies are ready for it.
2006-07-01 17:07:18 · answer #2 · answered by psiguy1926 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well the insect repellant acts as a neurotoxin. this means that this attacks there receptors in the insects and then kills them.
2006-06-29 07:47:40 · answer #3 · answered by KrazyK784 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋