Annie,
Hi,
Recently I have read several studies, which sounded fairly reliable, that mosquitos can sense the CO2 and lactic acid out-put of organisms in their vicinity. The chemical receptors of the insect are sensitive to the presence of these chemicals.
I have found that, if I am to be outside exerting myself where mosquitos are known to be, pre-medicating myself 30 minutes before going out with a barely clinically effective dose of an OTC antihistamine is quite effective in keeping me comfortable should I be punctured. And, there have been occasions that premedicating seems to reduce the interest the little blighters have in me (but that is only anecdotal evidence) which is fine given the possibility, though slight, of a West Nile Virus carrier finding me.
But, if one is to be out in heavily infested areas Deet is still the ticket to keep them off.
Cheers (1\2-tab, 'prophylactic' Tavist cocktail for me),
RC
