M’sian Researchers Claim Music by Skrillex Can Prevent Mosquito Bites

By Ameera Rosli • 10 Apr 2019 in News

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“Wei, Ridsect dah habis ah…”

“Takde hal. Bukak Youtube and play Skrillex’s Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”

“Settle”

Wait, before you click off, April Fool’s is over and I’m not pulling a fast one on you.

Skrillex when he realises his song has contributed to scientific research (source: iol.co.za)

According to researchers from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and Universiti Sains Malaysia Pulau Pinang, mosquitos of the Aedes aegypti species can be controlled by playing the Skrillex song ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’ from the electronic producer’s similarly-titled EP from 2010. This specific type of mosquito is infamously known for spreading the viral dengue fever and Zika virus.

So, clearly any means to prevent their increase in population is much obliged notwithstanding its absurdity.

Aedes aegypti, the final boss of mosquitos (source: eliminatedengue.com)

The study aptly titled, “The electronic song ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’ reduces host attack and mating success in the dengue vector Aedes aegypti” has found that the population of mosquitos exposed to this dubstep-classic is significantly lower than the other isolated groups. Additionally, the female mosquitos even have a lower tendency of biting victims.

Okay, I’m sure you’re itching for an explanation… The reason as to why ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’ is effective in controlling the population of mosquitos is because it interferes with the communication between male and female mosquitos during mating sessions.

To put it this way, ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’ has the complete opposite effect of ‘Careless Whisper’, acting as a boner-killer rather than aphrodisiac. Gentlemen, take note…

For a more scientific dissection, the constant frequency fluctuations throughout the song is disorienting for the mosquitos causing them to lose their appetite. This consequently prevents them from feeding on us innocent humans.

To conclude, the next time you think of pulling out those pesky mosquito veils that smell pungently of mothballs, maybe put on some Skrillex instead.