Химия репеллентов от комаров: как выбрать безопасное и эффективное средство?

The video opens by setting a familiar scene: heading out to the countryside for relaxation, such as mushroom picking, fishing, or berry gathering, and the inevitable question arises — which mosquito repellent to bring? The host immediately frames the discussion from a chemical standpoint, emphasizing safety for humans and pets, and the possibility of natural alternatives.

"Какое средство от комаров лучше всего с собой взять? А насколько оно будет безопасным для вас? Что насчёт домашних животных? Да и вообще есть ли какие-нибудь альтернативы всем этим химикатам из баллончиков будем разбираться." 0

Key points:

• The focus is on understanding mosquito repellents through chemistry.
• Concerns include effectiveness, safety for humans and pets, and natural options.
• The video promises to dissect these questions thoroughly.

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The host quickly addresses popular natural remedies often touted online, such as carrying coffee or vanilla, rubbing lavender, or applying clove extract. He points out that these "life hacks" rarely undergo real testing in natural mosquito habitats, like forests near Moscow.

"Проблема в том что все эти ребята вряд ли испытывают свои методы хотя бы где-нибудь в лесу... отсюда и появляются рецепты из разряда: носить в кармане кофе и ванилин натираться лавандой..." 0:36

He explains the biological basis of mosquito host detection, focusing on female mosquitoes that seek blood meals. Their sensory system is finely tuned to detect carbon dioxide (CO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by humans.

Key points:

• Natural remedies are often untested in real mosquito environments.
• Female mosquitoes detect hosts primarily by sensing CO2 and VOCs.
• Mosquitoes use a combination of olfactory receptors on antennae, legs, and proboscis to identify targets.

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This section dives into the mosquito’s sensory mechanisms. Female mosquitoes detect excess CO2 from human breath up to 20 meters away, then hone in on other volatile compounds like lactic acid, acetone, indole, and ammonia, which are products of human sweat and skin bacteria.

"Комар начинает лететь часто зигзагами по градиенту концентрации... концентрация углекислого газа в воздухе может подниматься из-за нашего с вами дыхание..." 1:22

As the mosquito approaches within about 1 meter, it uses additional receptors to sense temperature, humidity, and even weak vision to confirm the target before landing and biting.

Key points:

• CO2 is the primary long-range attractant.
• VOCs from sweat and skin bacteria provide closer-range cues.
• Mosquitoes integrate multiple sensory inputs (chemical, thermal, visual) before biting.

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The host explains that an ideal repellent would disrupt the mosquito’s sensory system early, preventing it from detecting the host. However, repelling mosquitoes from kilometers away is impossible due to chemical and physical limitations.

"Если в этот момент мы помешаем рецепторным белкам комара как-либо воспринимать эти сигналы, то вся система навигации насекомого будет просто нарушена..." 4:42

Most repellents work by either blocking the mosquito’s receptors for CO2 and VOCs or by activating receptors that signal non-host odors, confusing the insect.

Key points:

• Repellents target mosquito olfactory receptors to disrupt host detection.
• Blocking or misactivating receptors prevents mosquitoes from recognizing humans.
• Complete long-distance repelling is not feasible; effectiveness is limited to close range.

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The video identifies two natural compounds with scientific backing: menthoglycol (found in lemon eucalyptus) and geraniol (found in geranium, rose, and lemongrass). These substances can interfere with mosquito receptors but only in sufficiently high concentrations, which are hard to achieve by simply applying plant extracts.

"Концентрации попавшего на вас герониола просто не хватит чтобы создать какую-либо эффективную защиту... придётся использовать концентраты с этими веществами, то есть по факту эфирные масла." 5:57

Menthoglycol blocks receptors for lactic acid and CO2, effectively jamming the mosquito’s navigation, while geraniol activates receptors tuned to plant odors, which mosquitoes avoid.

Key points:

• Natural repellents require concentrated essential oils for effectiveness.
• Menthoglycol blocks key mosquito receptors, disrupting host detection.
• Geraniol triggers avoidance behavior by mimicking plant odors.
• Essential oils evaporate quickly and may cause skin irritation or allergies.
• Variability in essential oil concentration reduces reliability.

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An interesting cultural note is the use of birch tar by Siberians as a natural, highly effective mosquito repellent. It acts as a "liquid armor," completely masking the person from biting insects.

"Берём берёзовый дёготь и обмазываемся с ног до головы... это чисто локальная фишка которая полностью скрывает вас от гнуса." 8:28

This method is region-specific and not widely applicable but is a testament to traditional knowledge.

Key points:

• Birch tar is a potent natural repellent used in Siberia.
• It physically masks the person from biting insects.
• Not commonly used outside specific regions.

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The host introduces four main synthetic repellents commonly found in commercial sprays:

1. DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide)
2. Picaridin (also known as Icaridin or KBR 323)
3. IR3535 (Ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate)
4. 2-Undecanone (Methyl nonyl ketone)

All work by either blocking mosquito receptors or activating non-host receptors, confusing the insect.

"Все они работают по описанным ранее механизмам... были специально разработаны в лаборатории именно для того чтобы защищать человека от насекомых." 9:10

Key points:

• Synthetic repellents are designed for effective, long-lasting protection.
• They have been extensively studied for safety and efficacy.
• Each has unique properties regarding duration, safety, and tissue compatibility.

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DEET has been used for over 60 years and is effective at 20-50% concentrations. It is generally safe for humans, including children over 2 months, if used as directed.

"При концентрациях от 20 до 50% не способен нанести какой-либо значительный вред человеку... при неправильном применении DEA способен раздражать слизистые оболочки." 10:37

However, DEET can damage synthetic fabrics and plastics and is particularly toxic to cats due to their limited ability to metabolize it, potentially causing neurological symptoms and even death.

Key points:

• DEET is highly effective and well-studied.
• Can irritate mucous membranes and damage synthetic materials.
• Toxic to cats because of deficient detoxifying enzymes.
• Use caution around pets, especially cats.

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Picaridin is a newer repellent with similar effectiveness to DEET but without damaging fabrics and with less irritation to human mucous membranes.

"Пикаридин... не портит ткани, а его воздействие на слизистые человека гораздо менее раздражительно." 12:20

It is considered safe for dogs when used in products formulated for pets, but data on cats is insufficient.

Key points:

• Comparable efficacy to DEET with better material compatibility.
• Less irritating to humans.
• Safer for dogs; unclear safety profile for cats.
• Available in formulations tailored for animals.

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IR3535 is gentler on skin and mucous membranes but has a shorter duration of action compared to DEET and Picaridin.

"Для слизистых и кожи он крайне мягок... для животных считается менее токсичным чем дета." 13:10

Limited data exists on its toxicity in animals, so caution is advised.

Key points:

• Mild on skin, suitable for sensitive users.
• Shorter protection time.
• Less toxic to animals but data is limited.
• No unique properties beyond safety profile.

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Marketed as a natural or "bio" repellent because it occurs in some plants, 2-undecanone is actually synthesized industrially.

"Относительно новый репелент... позиционируется под стикером Bio... получают его на самом деле всё равно синтетическим путём." 13:37

It has a shorter duration than DEET or Picaridin, and safety data, especially for pets, is sparse.

Key points:

• Marketed as natural but synthetically produced.
• Shorter-lasting protection.
• Limited research on safety, especially for cats and dogs.
• Mechanism of toxicity is unknown.

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The host concludes that no single repellent is perfect for all situations. DEET is considered somewhat outdated, especially in homes with pets, due to toxicity concerns. Picaridin and IR3535 are preferred around animals, though human products should not be indiscriminately used on pets.

"По моему мнению детта уже морально устарел... если животные есть, особенно кошки... распыляйте на расстоянии и не давайте питомцам облизывать руки." 15:21

2-Undecanone is currently less recommended due to limited data. The choice depends on individual circumstances, and some people may not need repellents at all if mosquitoes do not bite them.

Key points:

• DEET is effective but risky around pets, especially cats.
• Picaridin and IR3535 are safer alternatives.
• Use pet-specific formulations when applying repellents to animals.
• 2-Undecanone requires more research before widespread use.
• Personal sensitivity to mosquito bites varies; repellents may not be necessary for everyone.

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The video ends with a friendly sign-off, encouraging viewers to subscribe, like, and comment to support the channel. The host also invites viewers to join his Telegram channel for chemistry and biology content and exam preparation.

"На её основе вы сами можете принять решение каким же репелентом конкретно вам пользоваться... а с вами на связи был Репич до скорого." 16:28

Key points:

• Encouragement to engage with the channel.
• Additional resources available on Telegram.
• Empowerment to make informed choices about repellents.

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This detailed breakdown captures the creator’s engaging style, blending scientific explanation with practical advice and cultural anecdotes, providing a thorough understanding of mosquito repellents from a chemical viewpoint.