I. Disrupting the Physiological Structure of Insects
The ionic components produced after alum is dissolved, especially aluminum ions, have a significant interfering effect on some common pests. The surface and internal physiological structures of many insects, such as mosquitoes and flies, are relatively fragile. When they come into contact with insect repellents containing alum, the aluminum ions will interact with the proteins or other biomolecules on the surface of the insect bodies, causing their structures to denature. For example, the delicate leg joints of mosquitoes, after contacting with the alum solution, will have their proteins coagulated, and the leg movements become stiff, greatly reducing their flying and crawling abilities. As a result, they have difficulty approaching the target, effectively reducing the probability of pest infestation.
II. Interfering with Insect Olfactory Perception
Insects mainly rely on their acute sense of smell to find food, habitats, and breeding places. Alum can skillfully interfere with this crucial sensory function. In the formulation of insect repellents, the special odor molecules emitted by alum can mix with the ambient odors, causing insects to lose their way on their search paths. Take cockroaches as an example. They usually follow the food odors emitted from the corners of the kitchen. After the deployment of insect repellents containing alum, the odor characteristics of the local area are changed, and the cockroaches cannot accurately smell the location of the food. They can only wander among the chaotic odor signals and thus stay away from our living spaces.
III. Inhibiting Egg Hatching
In addition to repelling and interfering with adult insects, alum also plays a crucial role in curbing the reproduction of pests. Some pests, such as bedbugs and fleas, will lay a large number of eggs in hidden corners. The chemical properties of alum enable it to penetrate into the environment around the eggs, change the local osmotic pressure, prevent the eggs from absorbing water normally, and ultimately inhibit egg hatching. This means cutting off the subsequent generations of pests at the root, laying a solid foundation for maintaining a pest-free environment for a long time, and keeping our residences, storage rooms, etc. free from newly emerged pests.
IV. Synergistic Effect, Strengthening the Insect Repellent Defense Line
In the complex formulation system of modern insect repellents, alum does not fight alone. It often cooperates with natural plant extracts, such as menthol and lavender essential oil. The plant extracts attract insects closer with their fragrant odors, while alum exerts its effect the moment insects make contact, either disrupting their physiological structures or interfering with their sense of smell. The two work closely together to greatly enhance the insect repellent effect. Meanwhile, the stability of alum can also help maintain the chemical activity of the entire insect repellent, ensuring that it can stably play its role within a relatively long usage period, creating a reassuring living environment for people.
In conclusion, with its multiple characteristics, alum shines in the field of insect repellents, helping us easily repel annoying pests and safeguard every corner of our lives.
