EPA approves new nontoxic chemical that repels ticks and mosquitoes

Adding a new weapon to the fight against insect-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and malaria, the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday approved a new chemical that both repels and kills ticks and mosquitoes. The chemical, nootkatone, an oil found in cedar trees and grapefruits, is so safe that it is used by the food and perfume industries. Nootkatone is considered …

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Where will the world’s next Zika, West Nile or dengue virus come from?

After collecting data and comparing it with every known mammal and bird species on Earth, scientists from the University of California, Davis, have identified wildlife species that are the most likely to host flaviviruses such as Zika, West Nile, dengue and yellow fever. Flaviviruses are known to cause major epidemics and widespread illness and death throughout the world. The resulting …

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The best (and worst) ways to beat mosquito bites

Insect repellents can keep biting mosquitoes at bay but they’ve got to be used correctly. Dr Cameron Webb (NSW Health Pathology/University of Sydney)), Author provided Cameron Webb, University of Sydney First one, then another. Bite! Slap! Bite! Before you know it, mosquitoes are descending from the skies to disrupt your backyard summer soiree. How can such a tiny, fragile insect …

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