Christoph Niemann

If you are looking for a chemical-free way to repel mosquitoes, you may already have the solution in your home. Turn on the fan, reports Anahad O’Connor in today’s Science Times.

Studies have found that wind is an effective method against mosquitoes and other airborne pests. The reason seems obvious: it prevents them from circling and landing on you, like a windstorm keeping a plane from its descent. But that is not entirely the case. A fan dilutes and disperses the carbon dioxide you exhale. Carbon dioxide is one of the major chemicals that attract mosquitoes. The wind from a fan also cools you off. Sweat, lactic acid and body heat attract mosquitoes — factors that a fan can help minimize.

To learn more, read the full column, “Really? Fans Are Effective for Repelling Mosquitoes,” and then please join the discussion below.