Scientists create sweet-scented fungus that fools mosquitoes, could prevent diseases worldwide

Unlike chemical foggers that spread toxins, this fungus targets mosquitoes specifically. It doesn’t harm bees or butterflies, and it naturally breaks down after use (Image: Pexels)

As global temperatures rise and mosquitoes spread into new territories, scientists have developed a flower-scented fungus that lures and kills them safely. It’s not a chemical spray or a trap. It’s a fungus that smells like a flower.

Researchers at the University of Maryland have found a way to use fragrance itself as a weapon against mosquitoes. Their creation, which releases a natural scent called longifolene, tricks the insects into approaching it. The moment they land, the fungus takes hold. It’s harmless to people, but deadly to mosquitoes, and it might just save lives.

The idea came from the way mosquitoes search for flowers. They don’t live on blood alone, nectar keeps them alive. By copying the sweet scents that guide them, researchers engineered a fungus, Metarhizium, to emit longifolene, a natural fragrance found in plants. The mosquitoes, drawn in by what smells like food, pick up fungal spores instead. Within a few days, they die. In lab tests, the fungus killed nearly every mosquito exposed to it.

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Traditional insecticides have grown less effective as mosquitoes adapt. This new approach is different, gentle on people and the environment, but powerful where it counts. “Longifolene is already used in perfumes and air fresheners,” said Professor Raymond St. Leger, who led the research. “It’s completely safe for humans, but mosquitoes can’t resist it.” The fungus can be placed in small containers that slowly release the scent, staying active for months without the need for reapplication.

Unlike chemical foggers that spread toxins, this fungus targets mosquitoes specifically. It doesn’t harm bees or butterflies, and it naturally breaks down after use. Just as importantly, it’s inexpensive to produce. The fungus can grow on agricultural leftovers — rice husks, wheat scraps or even chicken droppings — making it practical for countries where mosquito-borne diseases still take countless lives each year.

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Here’s why this could change everything:

• Safe for humans: Uses a natural fragrance already found in perfumes.
• Highly effective: Kills up to 100 percent of mosquitoes in tests.
• Eco-friendly: Leaves no toxic residue and protects other insects.
• Cheap to make: Can be produced from simple farming waste.
• Built to last: Remains active for months in any setting.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.