Traditional Mosquito Repellant?

The mosquitoes are driving us all crazy this summer, and the citronella candles don't seem to be helping all that much. This "Anty Fly" sphere designed by José de la O was recently shown as a mosquito repellant option as well (over at Crib Candy).

Would this principle actually work for mosquitoes ??

The use of a plastic bag full of water hanging from the ceiling of several taco kiosks on the streets, is a traditional way to scare flies away in Mexico. The refraction of the water, amplifies the colors and movements for the sensible eyes of a fly reflected on this sphere, scaring it away.

(Discovered via Crib Candy.)

Comments (4)

I would like to test it out
Fir big flies, like houseflies or horseflies It might work because they are very visually sensitive (look at those big eyes) but mosquitoes find people based on their body heat, and their eyes are comparatively small, I don't know if this would affect them as much
It would be worth a shot tho!

posted by Hollie on July 10th 2008 at 8:15am
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It'd be neat if it worked. But it doesn't.

posted by mxjohnson on July 10th 2008 at 8:20am
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Anybody who has ever been to Houston, TX knows that mosquitoes and flies are not repelled by refractive surfaces.

posted by amed studio on July 10th 2008 at 12:51pm
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Mosquitoes are attractided by carbon dioxide and lactic acid. And other than DEET, the only other thing that really repels them is catnip.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/08/010828075659.htm

posted by kimg924 on July 11th 2008 at 10:29am
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