Perfumed Fungi: The Sweet‑Scented Solution Turning Mosquitoes into Their Own Trap

The article reports that scientists have genetically engineered the naturally pest‑controlling fungus Metarhizium to overproduce a sweet‑smelling compound that is irresistibly attractive to mosquitoes, allowing the fungus to be used in baited traps that eliminated 90 % to 100 % of the insects in laboratory experiments; the findings were published in Nature Microbiology and are presented as a potentially affordable, scalable, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional mosquito control methods such as DEET or insecticides.

The article highlights a compelling and innovative approach to vector control that could dramatically reduce disease transmission if it proves effective and safe in field conditions. However, it also raises important questions about ecological impacts, the possibility of mosquitoes developing resistance, and the need for rigorous real-world testing before widespread deployment.