Could electronic dance music help stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases? A 2019 study suggests yes.

Researchers tested female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes — the species that spreads Zika, dengue, and yellow fever — by exposing them to Skrillex’s Grammy-winning track “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.” The results were surprising: mosquitoes distracted by the song bit less often, delayed feeding, and engaged in fewer mating attempts compared to those in silence.

Scientists believe the high and low frequencies in the track interfered with the insects’ natural mating signals and their ability to locate hosts. Since biting and reproduction are the main drivers of disease transmission, this could open the door to new, environmentally friendly mosquito control strategies.

While the idea of blasting dubstep to keep mosquitoes at bay might sound unusual, the study highlights how creative approaches — even music — could supplement traditional mosquito prevention methods.

Read the full study here - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001706X19301202