What Would You Charge the LSU Ag Center to Let Mosquitoes Bite You?

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Here in Louisiana, we have two kinds of people.

1. People who have been bitten by mosquitoes
2. People to scared to go outdoors

So, getting bitten by mosquitoes here in the Bayou State is extremely common, but in a recent article from the Louisiana Radio Network, we learn that the LSU Ag Center is recruiting people who wouldn't mind being bitten by mosquitoes.

While a mosquito bite itself isn't too terribly painful, they'll get your attention for sure. Course, the itching bump will later remind you of that little blood sucker's presence, and heaven forbid that he's carrying any of the possible lethal viruses/illnesses they've been known to spread.

Nonetheless, the LSU Ag Center wants to put you in a controlled environment to possibly allow this little booger to inject his fangs in you. (Okay, maybe not fangs, but you get the point)

They are currently looking for volunteers who'll help test a new form of insect repellant. It's an existing product, but according to Medical Entomologist Kristen Healey, it's not yet available in the form of wipes or a lotion and the testing will be for those applications.

Healey says that LSU will be doing these thorough tests for a manufacturer so that their EPA label will be backed by proper research.  “Whatever we write on that label, like if it says it’s effective for up to 14 hours then it’s been backed by science.”

In a separate article from WBRZ, we learn some of the qualifications to volunteer for the study include:

• Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 55
• Must live within 30 miles of Baton Rouge (This one rules us out)
• The study will take up to three visits and a remote screening and consent session to complete
• Participants must abide by mask-wearing and social distancing requirements

I'm sure you'll have to sign some 900 page legal waiver that covers "hold harmless" language if you develop malaria, West Nile or any of the other complications possible from mosquito bites, but the article goes on to say that "compensation will be provided."

While I'm sure the rate for this is already set, what if it wasn't?  What if they were looking for the lowest bidders?

What would this be worth? Would you negotiate for a "per bite" rate? Maybe you'd have a "malaria" bonus affixed? Maybe you could establish a "survivor benefit" if you succumbed to the effects of the bite?

I guess it's just one of those things for which we'll never have an answer but you can bet that if you spend any time outdoors this weekend, it'll happen for FREE, so it can't be worth much.