A new study on the Aedes aegypti could hold the key to reducing mosquito-borne illnesses. Mosquitoes have taste buds. Who knew?
The Aedes aegypti is a nasty blood-sucker. Known as the yellow fever mosquito, this thirsty aerial invader is also responsible for the spread of dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus. Scientists have found that mosquitoes have taste buds, making the female mosquito able to differentiate between salty and sweet. What does human blood taste like? We are sweet and savory to the Aedes aegypti, which makes us much different from nectar. Human blood to mosquitoes, could be likened to a salt-rimmed margarita or a salted caramel cappuccino.
Our salty and sweet blood is different than sweet nectar.
About these mosquito taste buds.
The U.S. has one confirmed case of Zika virus as of September 5, 2020
Unlike the human palate, which can taste salty, sweet, sour, and bitter, mosquitoes only detect two flavors. But that does not deter them. It’s all they need to go in search of a sweet meal of nectar or the salty and sweet taste of blood that is required for them to procreate. Scientists, who spearheaded this study, liken the mosquito’s ability to sense salty and sweet to a bat’s ultrasonic hearing ability. When it’s time for mosquitoes to produce eggs, they go in search of the salty taste of blood. They also found that mosquitoes are not discriminating drinkers – any human blood will do. The same scientists wonder if we are able to disguise the taste of our blood to mosquitoes with medication, will that lessen the prevalence of mosquito-borne illnesses. It would stand to reason that less mosquito bites to humans will equate to less disease. Would they adapt to not being able to sense the taste of human blood?
Fun fact: In previous studies, scientists found that mosquitoes can tell the difference between human and non-human blood.
Mosquito control and protection will deter these blood-seekers for the time being.
We all know that eliminating mosquitoes from our ecosystem is not the answer to lowering the incidence of mosquito illnesses. Until a solid scientific way is found that will make humans impervious to mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases, effective mosquito protection is available. Central Mass mosquito control experts will help keep your yard safer with EPA-registered, time-released mosquito control formulas. Reputable mosquito control professionals also offer all-natural repellents, which will help ward off mosquitoes without killing them. Both formulas are available in a barrier spray application, and must be re-applied ever couple of weeks. Personal mosquito repellent, such as DEET, is necessary when you are outdoors, especially away from home. If you love a fall hiking trip, or a walk on the beach, use personal mosquito protection.