When a mosquito bites Rachel, the bitten part swells dramatically. And mosquitoes around the world love her. She has had her eye swell shut from a mosquito bite in Kenya and her lip develop a cherry-sized protuberance after a bite in Mexico City. Is there something she is eating that attracts the mosquitoes? Experts disagree about what might attract mosquitoes to Rachel; Aaron has his own theory. Your body releases hundreds of compounds, including over 100 from your breath, and we know almost nothing about most of them. We do know that carbon dioxide and lactic acid in the breath and heat are powerful attractants to mosquitoes. Some perfumes and lotions may also attract them. But bananas? No. As for repelling mosquitoes, nothing eaten or swallowed has ever been proven to repel mosquitoes. The idea that bananas or garlic can affect your chances with the mosquitoes is a myth. After decades of work, the best repellent is still DEET. When used correctly and at safe concentrations of less than 30 per cent, it can keep mosquitoes away for five hours or more. Furthermore, it is safe to use DEET repellents on kids, even on infants over two months. In buggy areas, Rachel does not go outside without it.