Originally published August 7 2005
Alaskan bird emits a natural mosquito repellant
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
New research has found that a bird native to Alaska, the crested auklet, emits a chemical similar to DEET that can be used as a natural alternative to mosquito repellant.
A bird species found in some parts of Western Alaska is believed to emit a natural mosquito repellent with properties similar to DEET, the key ingredient in many commercial repellents.
Hector Douglas, a University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher, said he made the discovery in the feathers of the crested auklet after applying a little scientific intuition and sacrificing some of his own blood.
"It's perhaps an example of how there are natural products in nature that have the potential to be utilized," Douglas said.
Clues to the crested auklet's unique ability to repel mosquitoes and pests like ticks and lice was apparent the first time Douglas encountered the creature, one of four auklet species in Alaska.
He had been dropped at Kiska Island in the Aleutians to conduct research for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"The birds would come down and have this citrus smell and they're landing on the rocks all around you and they have these elaborate social interactions.
It wasn't until years later, however, when he was studying auklets on St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea where mosquitoes are more prevalent that he began to see the compound's effect on the airborne pests.
To test his theory, he went into the laboratory with a few auklet feathers.
An analysis showed him the chemicals that make up the auklet's "odorant."
He then tested their repellent properties using mosquitoes specially bred at a research lab in Florida for their aggressive tendencies.
Douglas dabbed test samples on filter paper, attached that paper to his hand, then put it in a cage with hungry mosquitoes.
"They soon give up trying to land and rest on the side of the cage," Douglas said.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml