It's no secret that mosquito bites can transfer a number of diseases to humans and animals, the most common of which are malaria, dengue fever, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Before you whip out a can of mosquito-repelling spray during your next camping trip, you should know that many conventional brands contain DEET, a powerful pesticide that has been linked to a number of health problems such as skin rashes, dizziness, and even seizures.

Secret formula developed from human body odors

We all know that one person who comes home from the camping trip without a single bug bite. Perhaps they advise their unlucky mates to eat more garlic, or fewer bananas.

But it may be that these folks are born with a scent that keeps mosquitoes and other biting insects away. Recent research has isolated chemicals emitted by "bug-proof" individuals, which appear to counteract the odors that hungry bloodsuckers generally home in on.

The study showed "unequivocally that there are compounds that interfere with the normal attraction that mosquitoes have towards humans," said John Pickett from Rothamsted Research in England.