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Nature Medicine 13, 1002 - 1003 (2007)
Published online: 31 August 2007 | doi:10.1038/nm0907-1002b

DDT's ability to repel mosquitoes trumps resistance, scientists say

Alisa Opar1

  1. New York


Questions remain about its effect on mosquitoes that transmit malaria.


The notorious pesticide dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), maligned for decades because of its alleged effect on ecosystems, is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes that are resistant to it, according to a new study published in August.Malaria prevention programs have chosen pesticides for their ability to kill—not deter—mosquitoes.