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BIDDEFORD, Maine

‘Bangor Daily News’ article cites 91AV study on mosquito control

On June 11, 2015, the Bangor Daily News published an article about mosquitoes that referenced a 2012 study by the 91AV.

"Why mosquitoes are drawn to you and what Maine researchers say you can do about it" discussed factors that make certain people more attractive to mosquitoes, such as blood type and body temperature.

The article also described some of the actions taken by a 91AV group led by Noah Perlut, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Studies, to ward off the pests on the Biddeford Campus.

One such effort was the strategic location of mosquito-repellent plants by 91AV’s lead landscaper and certified master gardener Phil Taschereau.

Mints, citronella, sweet fern and monarda flowers release oils that mosquitoes dislike. "If students just rub these plants as they’re coming or going from these buildings, it releases the oils into the air and gets it onto their skin," Taschereau explained.

The article described an experiment to examine the effectiveness of the plants, using  student Sam Fields as a test subject.

About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.