Neuroscience, September 1999. Flea Collars Research from Mississippi State University 5 suggests that animals that wear flea collars might be transferring organophosphates to their owners. Five minutes of petting the animals, researchers say, is enough to produce measurable amounts of the chemicals on human hands. In the meantime, they recommend against letting children sleep with or hug pets that are wearing fresh flea collars or that have recently had a flea dip. Led by toxicologist Janic Chambers, reported to the New Orleans meeting of the American Chemical Society, August 22, 1999.
Mosquitoes are apparently quite selective when feeding time comes.
Breath odor is one of the biggest clues a mosquito uses to decide if a mammal will offer a suitable meal. Sweat is also an attractant, but only after bacteria have started metabolizing it, which is why a just-bathed body is often ignored by mosquitoes for a period of time. Be aware, though, that some skin care products are particularly appealing to the little bloodsuckers. Reuters, reporting on the work of entomologist Jerry Butler. Among a group of 96 migraine sufferers, half reported a complete cessation of the headaches for three to four months after administration of the toxin.