Targeting single set of nerve cells may block mosquitoes

Mosquitoes use the same set of nerve cells to detect carbon dioxide from our breath and odors from our skin, a new study finds.

Scientists already knew that mosquitoes have olfactory nerve cells called cpA neurons that are sensitive to CO₂. But when those nerve cells are blocked with chemicals, the insects are also less attracted to human foot odor, researchers report December 5 in Cell. 

The team identified two safe, inexpensive natural compounds that could alter the detection abilities of the CO₂– and odor-sensing nerve cells. The fruity, rum- or caramel-smelling ethyl pyruvate blocked the insects’ neurons from detecting human foot odor, making the mosquitoes less attracted to the scent. The mint-scented cyclopentanone stimulated the insects’ CO₂ detectors, luring the mosquitoes to a trap.

The findings are similar to previous results identifying natural mosquito repellents and could lead to more simplified systems to control the insects.