How do repellents assist in personal protective measures against mosquitoes?

Repellents are specifically designed to create a barrier between humans and mosquitoes, effectively preventing these pests from landing on the skin. The active ingredients in repellents interfere with the mosquitoes' ability to detect the scents and chemicals that humans naturally emit, such as carbon dioxide and body odors. When applied to the skin, these repellents work by deterring mosquitoes, reducing the likelihood of bites and, consequently, the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.

While options that mention masking scent or attracting mosquitoes away could seem plausible, they don't accurately capture the primary function of repellents. Additionally, repellents do not kill mosquitoes on contact; they simply create a protective zone that discourages them from approaching or landing on treated surfaces. Therefore, the correct understanding of how repellents operate in personal protective measures hinges on their capability to deter mosquitoes from making contact with the skin.