
Many essential oils and herbs have shown repellent action against a variety of bugs and pests.
Repellent Herb and Essential Oil Recipes
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RESEARCH
The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.
GENERAL
- A detailed review of plant products used in insect pest control is provided. From: Kuppusamy, E., Dhamodharan, K. I., & Jayakumar, S. (2016). Role of plants and plant based products towards the control of insect pests and vectors: A novel review. Journal of Coastal Life Medicine, 4(11), 902-917.
- A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.
- Essential oils can be efficient, and safer repellents for humans and the environment. In this mega analysis on insect repelling essential oils, Cymbopogon (lemongrass) spp., Ocimum (basil) spp. and Eucalyptus (eucalyptus) spp. are the most cited. Key constituents cited include α-pinene, limonene, citronellol, citronellal, camphor and thymol. From: Nerio, L. S., Olivero-Verbel, J., & Stashenko, E. (2010). Repellent activity of essential oils: a review. Bioresource technology, 101(1), 372-378.
- Essential oils offer a variety of insect repelling and controlling actions with less toxicity. From: Regnault-Roger, C., Vincent, C., & Arnason, J. T. (2012). Essential oils in insect control: low-risk products in a high-stakes world. Annual review of entomology, 57.
- Essential oils for pest control was reviewed. From: Regnault-Roger, C. (1997). The potential of botanical essential oils for insect pest control. Integrated Pest Management Reviews, 2(1), 25-34.
AJOWAN
- Against the yellow fever mosquito, pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil and citronellal showed high larvicidal activity. Eugenol, citronellal, thymol, pulegone, rosemary oil and cymene showed oviposition deterrent and/or repellent activities. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
- Pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil, citronellal, and cymene showed high larvicidal, oviposition deterrent, and/or repellent activities against the denge fever mosquito. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
ANGELICA
- Angelica archangelica root showed mosquito deterrent activities. From: Wedge, D. E., Klun, J. A., Tabanca, N., Demirci, B., Ozek, T., Baser, K. H. C., … & Zhang, J. (2008). Bioactivity-guided fractionation and GC/MS fingerprinting of Angelica sinensis and Angelica archangelica root components for antifungal and mosquito deterrent activity. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 57(2), 464-470.
ANISE
- Against the yellow fever mosquito, pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil and citronellal showed high larvicidal activity. Eugenol, citronellal, thymol, pulegone, rosemary oil and cymene showed oviposition deterrent and/or repellent activities. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
BALM MINT BUSH
- A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.
- Leptospermum petersonii, Prostanthera melissifolia, and Melaleuca alternifolia were the three most effective oils to offer short term repellency against mosquitos. From: Maguranyi, S. K., Webb, C. E., Mansfield, S., & Russell, R. C. (2009). Are commercially available essential oils from Australian native plants repellent to mosquitoes?. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 25(3), 292-301.
- Australian plants demonstrated varying degrees of insect (mosquito) repellency and included: eucalyptus, tea tree, cajuput, manuka, balm mint bush, fragonia, myrtle, cypress, and niaouli. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- The repellency of Australian plants of the Myrtaceae family is reviewed. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
BASIL
- A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.
- Essential oils can be efficient, and safer repellents for humans and the environment. In this mega analysis on insect repelling essential oils, Cymbopogon (lemongrass) spp., Ocimum (basil) spp. and Eucalyptus (eucalyptus) spp. are the most cited. Key constituents cited include α-pinene, limonene, citronellol, citronellal, camphor and thymol. From: Nerio, L. S., Olivero-Verbel, J., & Stashenko, E. (2010). Repellent activity of essential oils: a review. Bioresource technology, 101(1), 372-378.
- Curcuma longa (tumeric), Citrus hystrix (lime), Cymbopogon winterianus (citronella), and Ocimum americanum (basil) were assessed for their repellency against three mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles dirus and Culex quinquefasciatus. Turmeric, citronella grass and hairy basil formulated with vanillin demonstrated mosquito repellency similar to deet. From: Tawatsin, A., Wratten, S. D., Scott, R. R., Thavara, U., & Techadamrongsin, Y. (2001). Repellency of volatile oils from plants against three mosquito vectors. Journal of Vector Ecology, 26, 76-82.
- Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus. From: Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
- Against the yellow fever mosquito, pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil and citronellal showed high larvicidal activity. Eugenol, citronellal, thymol, pulegone, rosemary oil and cymene showed oviposition deterrent and/or repellent activities. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
- This study warrants further research of the use of the following plant essential oils to repel insects such as the mosquitos Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles minimus: citronella, hairy basil, catnip, and vetiver. From: Tisgratog, R., Sanguanpong, U., Grieco, J. P., Ngoen-Kluan, R., & Chareonviriyaphap, T. (2016). Plants traditionally used as mosquito repellents and the implication for their use in vector control. Acta tropica, 157, 136-144.
- Pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil, citronellal, and cymene showed high larvicidal, oviposition deterrent, and/or repellent activities against the denge fever mosquito. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
- The following essential oils were tested against a mosquito and a housefly species: peppermint (M. piperita), spearmint (M. spicata), basil (O. basilicum), helichrysum (H. italicum), yarrow (A. ligustica), geranium (P. odoratissimum), cinnamon (C. verum) and verbenea (L. alba). Helichrysum and cinnamon showed the highest insecticidal and larvicidal activities. From: Benelli, G., Pavela, R., Giordani, C., Casettari, L., Curzi, G., Cappellacci, L., … & Maggi, F. (2018). Acute and sub-lethal toxicity of eight essential oils of commercial interest against the filariasis mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and the housefly Musca domestica. Industrial crops and products, 112, 668-680.
BAY
- Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus. From: Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
- The insecticidal activities of essential oil extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus Forskål were determined. Extracts of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) were the most toxic, followed by Ferula hermonis Boiss (in the carrot family), Citrus sinensis (orange), Pinus pinea (pine), Laurus nobilis (bay), and Eucalyptus spp. Terpineol and 1,8-cineole components were the most effective in preventing Culex pipiens molestus bites. From: Traboulsi, A. F., El‐Haj, S., Tueni, M., Taoubi, K., Nader, N. A., & Mrad, A. (2005). Repellency and toxicity of aromatic plant extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 61(6), 597-604.
- Lavendula stoechas (lavender), Helichrysum italicum and Laurus nobilis (bay) oils reduced attractivity of yellow fever mosquitoes with promising results from Calamintha nepeta (calamint), and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary). From: Drapeau, J., Fröhler, C., Touraud, D., Kröckel, U., Geier, M., Rose, A., & Kunz, W. (2009). Repellent studies with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and human olfactory tests on 19 essential oils from Corsica, France. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 24(4), 160-169.
CAJEPUT
- A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.
- Against the yellow fever mosquito, pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil and citronellal showed high larvicidal activity. Eugenol, citronellal, thymol, pulegone, rosemary oil and cymene showed oviposition deterrent and/or repellent activities. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
- Leptospermum petersonii, Prostanthera melissifolia, and Melaleuca alternifolia were the three most effective oils to offer short term repellency against mosquitos. From: Maguranyi, S. K., Webb, C. E., Mansfield, S., & Russell, R. C. (2009). Are commercially available essential oils from Australian native plants repellent to mosquitoes?. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 25(3), 292-301.
- Australian plants demonstrated varying degrees of insect (mosquito) repellency and included: eucalyptus, tea tree, cajuput, manuka, balm mint bush, fragonia, myrtle, cypress, and niaouli. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- Laboratory and field testing showed oil from Melaleuca ericifolia to be an effective insect repellent. From: Greive, K. A., Staton, J. A., Miller, P. F., Peters, B. A., & Oppenheim, V. J. (2010). Development of Melaleuca oils as effective natural‐based personal insect repellents. Australian journal of entomology, 49(1), 40-48.
- The repellency of Australian plants of the Myrtaceae family is reviewed. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
CALENDULA
- The following plant oils showed repellent activity against the mosquito Aedes aegypti: Acantholippia seriphioides, Achyrocline satureioides, Aloysia citriodora (lemon verbena), Anemia tomentosa, Baccharis spartioides, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Eucalyptus saligna, Hyptis mutabilis, Minthostachys mollis (mint), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Tagetes minuta and Tagetes pusilla (marigold). From: Gillij, Y. G., Gleiser, R. M., & Zygadlo, J. A. (2008). Mosquito repellent activity of essential oils of aromatic plants growing in Argentina. Bioresource technology, 99(7), 2507-2515.
CARROT CAROTOL
- In vitro and in vivo tests showed a carrot seed essential oil and the carotol constituent to be repellent against multiple tested mosquito species. From: Ali, A., Radwan, M. M., Wanas, A. S., & Khan, I. A. (2018). Repellent Activity of Carrot Seed Essential Oil and Its Pure Compound, Carotol, Against Mosquitoes. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 34(4), 272-280.
- The insecticidal activities of essential oil extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus Forskål were determined. Extracts of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) were the most toxic, followed by Ferula hermonis Boiss (in the carrot family), Citrus sinensis (orange), Pinus pinea (pine), Laurus nobilis (bay), and Eucalyptus spp. Terpineol and 1,8-cineole components were the most effective in preventing Culex pipiens molestus bites. From: Traboulsi, A. F., El‐Haj, S., Tueni, M., Taoubi, K., Nader, N. A., & Mrad, A. (2005). Repellency and toxicity of aromatic plant extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 61(6), 597-604.
CATNIP
- This study warrants further research of the use of the following plant essential oils to repel insects such as the mosquitos Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles minimus: citronella, hairy basil, catnip, and vetiver. From: Tisgratog, R., Sanguanpong, U., Grieco, J. P., Ngoen-Kluan, R., & Chareonviriyaphap, T. (2016). Plants traditionally used as mosquito repellents and the implication for their use in vector control. Acta tropica, 157, 136-144.
- Vetiver and nootcatone extracts were insecticidal and repellent against ants, ticks, and cockroaches. From: Henderson, G., Heumann, D. O., Laine, R. A., Maistrello, L., Zhu, B. C., & Chen, F. (2005). U.S. Patent No. 6,906,108. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Lavendula stoechas (lavender), Helichrysum italicum and Laurus nobilis (bay) oils reduced attractivity of yellow fever mosquitoes with promising results from Calamintha nepeta (calamint), and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary). From: Drapeau, J., Fröhler, C., Touraud, D., Kröckel, U., Geier, M., Rose, A., & Kunz, W. (2009). Repellent studies with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and human olfactory tests on 19 essential oils from Corsica, France. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 24(4), 160-169.
CEDARWOOD
- A cedarwood oil product was excellent in deterring termites and fungi that affect wood. From: Eller, F. J., Hay, W. T., Kirker, G. T., Mankowski, M. E., & Sellling, G. W. (2018). Hexadecyl ammonium chloride amylose inclusion complex to emulsify cedarwood oil and treat wood against termites and wood-decay fungi. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 129, 95-101.
- Cedarwood Virgina oil and its cedrol constituent showed red ant repelling activity. From: Eller, F. J., Fezza, T., Jang, E. B., & Palmquist, D. E. (2015). Field test for repellency of cedarwood oil and cedrol to little fire ants.
CELERY
- A product whose main ingredient was celery seed oil was effective in repelling mosquitoes. From: Tuetun, B., Choochote, W., Pongpaibul, Y., Junkum, A., Kanjanapothi, D., Chaithong, U., … & Pitasawat, B. (2009). Field evaluation of G10, a celery (Apium graveolens)-based topical repellent, against mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand. Parasitology research, 104(3), 515-521.
CHASTE
- Vitex agnus castus (monk’s pepper) was used as an effective six hour spray to keep away ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies and fleas. From: Mehlhorn, H., Schmahl, G., & Schmidt, J. (2005). Extract of the seeds of the plant Vitex agnus castus proven to be highly efficacious with repellent against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and biting flies. Parasitology research, 95(5), 363-365.
CINNAMON
- Field trials indicate that an aqueous cream containing 15% of the leaf oils of Litsea elliptica, Cinnamomum mollissimum, and Cymbopogon nardus provided 96.6% protection against mosquito bites. From: Jantan, I., & Zaki, Z. M. (1998). Development of environment-friendly insect repellents from the leaf oils of selected Malaysian plants. ASEAN Rev Biodivers Environ Conserv, 1-7.
- The following essential oils were tested against a mosquito and a housefly species: peppermint (M. piperita), spearmint (M. spicata), basil (O. basilicum), helichrysum (H. italicum), yarrow (A. ligustica), geranium (P. odoratissimum), cinnamon (C. verum) and verbenea (L. alba). Helichrysum and cinnamon showed the highest insecticidal and larvicidal activities. From: Benelli, G., Pavela, R., Giordani, C., Casettari, L., Curzi, G., Cappellacci, L., … & Maggi, F. (2018). Acute and sub-lethal toxicity of eight essential oils of commercial interest against the filariasis mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and the housefly Musca domestica. Industrial crops and products, 112, 668-680.
CITRONELLA
- A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.
- A blend of ylang ylang and citronella essential oils in a corn starch product was repellent against a mosquito species tested, without causing irritation on human skin. From: Wathoni, N., Sofian, F. F., Narsa, A. C., & Mutiara, A. N. (2018). Repellent Activity of Essential Oils from Cananga odorata Lamk. and Cymbopogon nardus L. on Corn Starch-Based Thixogel. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 10(2s), S118.
- Citronella and kunzea oils (with and without vanillin) were somewhat mosquito repellent on human volunteers but not as strongly as DEET. From: Thomas, J., Webb, C. E., Narkowicz, C., Jacobson, G. A., Peterson, G. M., Davies, N. W., & Russell, R. C. (2009). Evaluation of repellent properties of volatile extracts from the Australian native plant Kunzea ambigua against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culcidae). Journal of medical entomology, 46(6), 1387-1391.
- Curcuma longa (tumeric), Citrus hystrix (lime), Cymbopogon winterianus (citronella), and Ocimum americanum (basil) were assessed for their repellency against three mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles dirus and Culex quinquefasciatus. Turmeric, citronella grass and hairy basil formulated with vanillin demonstrated mosquito repellency similar to deet. From: Tawatsin, A., Wratten, S. D., Scott, R. R., Thavara, U., & Techadamrongsin, Y. (2001). Repellency of volatile oils from plants against three mosquito vectors. Journal of Vector Ecology, 26, 76-82.
- Against the yellow fever mosquito, pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil and citronellal showed high larvicidal activity. Eugenol, citronellal, thymol, pulegone, rosemary oil and cymene showed oviposition deterrent and/or repellent activities. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
- Essential oils of Cymbopogan martinii (palmarosa), Cymbopogan citratus (lemon grass) and Cymbopogan nardus (citronella) were as effective as the chemical mylol in repelling mosquitoes. From: Ansari, M. A., & Razdan, R. K. (1995). Relative efficacy of various oils in repelling mosquitoes. Indian journal of malariology, 32(3), 104-111.
- Field trials indicate that an aqueous cream containing 15% of the leaf oils of Litsea elliptica, Cinnamomum mollissimum, and Cymbopogon nardus provided 96.6% protection against mosquito bites. From: Jantan, I., & Zaki, Z. M. (1998). Development of environment-friendly insect repellents from the leaf oils of selected Malaysian plants. ASEAN Rev Biodivers Environ Conserv, 1-7.
- Essential oils from the following plants and their effectiveness as a mosquito repellent was reviewed: Cymbopogon nardus, Eucalyptus maculata, Cymbopogon excavatus, Mentha piperita, and Azadirachta indica. From: Gupta, D. K., Chouhan, M., & Gupta, R. A. (2018). Herbal Mosquito Repellent Formulation from the Essential Oil: A Review. International Journal of Pharmacy & Life Sciences, 9(2).
- This study warrants further research of the use of the following plant essential oils to repel insects such as the mosquitos Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles minimus: citronella, hairy basil, catnip, and vetiver. From: Tisgratog, R., Sanguanpong, U., Grieco, J. P., Ngoen-Kluan, R., & Chareonviriyaphap, T. (2016). Plants traditionally used as mosquito repellents and the implication for their use in vector control. Acta tropica, 157, 136-144.
- Pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil, citronellal, and cymene showed high larvicidal, oviposition deterrent, and/or repellent activities against the denge fever mosquito. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
- Citronella and kunzea oils (with and without vanillin) were somewhat mosquito repellent on human volunteers but not as strongly as DEET. From: Thomas, J., Webb, C. E., Narkowicz, C., Jacobson, G. A., Peterson, G. M., Davies, N. W., & Russell, R. C. (2009). Evaluation of repellent properties of volatile extracts from the Australian native plant Kunzea ambigua against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culcidae). Journal of medical entomology, 46(6), 1387-1391.
CLOVE / EUGENOL
- Against the yellow fever mosquito, pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil and citronellal showed high larvicidal activity. Eugenol, citronellal, thymol, pulegone, rosemary oil and cymene showed oviposition deterrent and/or repellent activities. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
- Pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil, citronellal, and cymene showed high larvicidal, oviposition deterrent, and/or repellent activities against the denge fever mosquito. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
CORIANDER
- C. sativum essential oil was repellent against a mosquito species. From: Benelli, G., Flamini, G., Fiore, G., Cioni, P. L., & Conti, B. (2013). Larvicidal and repellent activity of the essential oil of Coriandrum sativum L.(Apiaceae) fruits against the filariasis vector Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 112(3), 1155-1161.
CYMENE
- Against the yellow fever mosquito, pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil and citronellal showed high larvicidal activity. Eugenol, citronellal, thymol, pulegone, rosemary oil and cymene showed oviposition deterrent and/or repellent activities. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
CYPRESS
- Cypress extracts were insecticidal and repellent against house flies. From: Hasaballah, A. I., Shehata, A. Z., Fouda, M. A., Hassan, M. I., & Gad, M. E. (2018). The Biological Activity of Cupressus sempervirens Extracts against Musca domestica. Asian Journal of Biology, 1-12.
EUCALYPTUS
- A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.
- Essential oils can be efficient, and safer repellents for humans and the environment. In this mega analysis on insect repelling essential oils, Cymbopogon (lemongrass) spp., Ocimum (basil) spp. and Eucalyptus (eucalyptus) spp. are the most cited. Key constituents cited include α-pinene, limonene, citronellol, citronellal, camphor and thymol. From: Nerio, L. S., Olivero-Verbel, J., & Stashenko, E. (2010). Repellent activity of essential oils: a review. Bioresource technology, 101(1), 372-378.
- In this double blind randomized study of over 4000 participants, the use of a bed net treated with a natural insect repellent whose key ingredient was Eucalyptus maculata citriodon, was effective in repelling the mosquito that causes malaria. Hill, N., Lenglet, A., Arnez, A. M., & Carneiro, I. (2007). Plant based insect repellent and insecticide treated bed nets to protect against malaria in areas of early evening biting vectors: double blind randomised placebo controlled clinical trial in the Bolivian Amazon. bmj, 335(7628), 1023.
- Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus. From: Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
- Essential oils from the following plants and their effectiveness as a mosquito repellent was reviewed: Cymbopogon nardus, Eucalyptus maculata, Cymbopogon excavatus, Mentha piperita, and Azadirachta indica. From: Gupta, D. K., Chouhan, M., & Gupta, R. A. (2018). Herbal Mosquito Repellent Formulation from the Essential Oil: A Review. International Journal of Pharmacy & Life Sciences, 9(2).
- Essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus, Lavender officinalis, Rosemarinus officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris showed repellent activities against the mosquito: Culex pipiens pallens. Thyme was the strongest and constituents that were effective included alpha-terpinene, thymol, p-cymene, carvacrol, and linalool. From: Choi, W. S., Park, B. S., Ku, S. K., & Lee, S. E. (2002). Repellent activities of essential oils and monoterpenes against Culex pipiens pallens. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 18(4), 348-351.
- Australian plants demonstrated varying degrees of insect (mosquito) repellency and included: eucalyptus, tea tree, cajuput, manuka, balm mint bush, fragonia, myrtle, cypress, and niaouli. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- The repellency of Australian plants of the Myrtaceae family is reviewed. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- The insecticidal activities of essential oil extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus Forskål were determined. Extracts of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) were the most toxic, followed by Ferula hermonis Boiss (in the carrot family), Citrus sinensis (orange), Pinus pinea (pine), Laurus nobilis (bay), and Eucalyptus spp. Terpineol and 1,8-cineole components were the most effective in preventing Culex pipiens molestus bites. From: Traboulsi, A. F., El‐Haj, S., Tueni, M., Taoubi, K., Nader, N. A., & Mrad, A. (2005). Repellency and toxicity of aromatic plant extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 61(6), 597-604.
- Eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, and mint showed varying degrees of repellency against the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus Stahl. The knockdown time of nymphs in minutes by constituents was 117.2 (eucalyptol), 408.7 (linalool), 474.0 (menthone), and 484.2 (limonene). While the repellent effect was quite lesser than that of deet, eucalyptol was 3.5 times less toxic. From: Sfara, V., Zerba, E. N., & Alzogaray, R. A. (2009). Fumigant insecticidal activity and repellent effect of five essential oils and seven monoterpenes on first-instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus. Journal of medical entomology, 46(3), 511-515.
FENNEL
- The insecticidal activities of essential oil extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus Forskål were determined. Extracts of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) were the most toxic, followed by Ferula hermonis Boiss (in the carrot family), Citrus sinensis (orange), Pinus pinea (pine), Laurus nobilis (bay), and Eucalyptus spp. Terpineol and 1,8-cineole components were the most effective in preventing Culex pipiens molestus bites. From: Traboulsi, A. F., El‐Haj, S., Tueni, M., Taoubi, K., Nader, N. A., & Mrad, A. (2005). Repellency and toxicity of aromatic plant extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 61(6), 597-604.
- Foeniculum vulgare Miller showed repellency against mosquitoes. From: Kim, S. I., Chang, K. S., Yang, Y. C., Kim, B. S., & Ahn, Y. J. (2004). Repellency of aerosol and cream products containing fennel oil to mosquitoes under laboratory and field conditions. Pest management science, 60(11), 1125-1130.
- Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, Helichrysum italicum, Foeniculum vulgare, Myrtus communis, and Rosmarinus officinalis showed insecticidal activity against a mosquito species. Conti, B., Canale, A., Bertoli, A., Gozzini, F., & Pistelli, L. (2010). Essential oil composition and larvicidal activity of six Mediterranean aromatic plants against the mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 107(6), 1455-1461.
FRAGONIA
- Australian plants demonstrated varying degrees of insect (mosquito) repellency and included: eucalyptus, tea tree, cajuput, manuka, balm mint bush, fragonia, myrtle, cypress, and niaouli. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- The repellency of Australian plants of the Myrtaceae family is reviewed. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
GARLIC
- This article discusses garlic as an insect repellent. From: Stjernberg, L., & Berglund, J. (2000). Garlic as an insect repellent. JAMA, 284(7), 831-831.
GERANIUM
- Geranium treated bed nets repelled malaria causing mosquitos. From: Alipour, H., Mahdian, S. M. A., Rami, A., Abad, M. O. K., Amin, M., & Dinparast, N. (2015). Excito-repellency effects of Pelargonium roseum wild (Geraniaceae) essential oil-treated bed nets on the malaria mosquito, Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901 (Diptera: Culicidae).
- Various geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) extractions and their key constituents of linalool and citronellol demonstrated repellent activity against beetles that are food storage pests. From: Abouelatta, A. M., Keratum, A. Y., Ahmed, S. I., & El-Zun, H. M. (2020). Repellent, contact and fumigant activities of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.’Hér) essential oils against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.). International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 40(4), 1021-1030.
- Constituents of geranium oil demonstrated safe repelling action against the mosquito associated with the West Nile virus. From: Tabari, M. A., Youssefi, M. R., Esfandiari, A., & Benelli, G. (2017). Toxicity of β-citronellol, geraniol and linalool from Pelargonium roseum essential oil against the West Nile and filariasis vector Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae). Research in veterinary science, 114, 36-40.
- The following essential oils were tested against a mosquito and a housefly species: peppermint (M. piperita), spearmint (M. spicata), basil (O. basilicum), helichrysum (H. italicum), yarrow (A. ligustica), geranium (P. odoratissimum), cinnamon (C. verum) and verbenea (L. alba). Helichrysum and cinnamon showed the highest insecticidal and larvicidal activities. From: Benelli, G., Pavela, R., Giordani, C., Casettari, L., Curzi, G., Cappellacci, L., … & Maggi, F. (2018). Acute and sub-lethal toxicity of eight essential oils of commercial interest against the filariasis mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and the housefly Musca domestica. Industrial crops and products, 112, 668-680.
- Eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, and mint showed varying degrees of repellency against the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus Stahl. The knockdown time of nymphs in minutes by constituents was 117.2 (eucalyptol), 408.7 (linalool), 474.0 (menthone), and 484.2 (limonene). While the repellent effect was quite lesser than that of deet, eucalyptol was 3.5 times less toxic. From: Sfara, V., Zerba, E. N., & Alzogaray, R. A. (2009). Fumigant insecticidal activity and repellent effect of five essential oils and seven monoterpenes on first-instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus. Journal of medical entomology, 46(3), 511-515.
- Constituents of geranium oil demonstrated safe repelling action against the mosquito associated with the West Nile virus. From: Tabari, M. A., Youssefi, M. R., Esfandiari, A., & Benelli, G. (2017). Toxicity of β-citronellol, geraniol and linalool from Pelargonium roseum essential oil against the West Nile and filariasis vector Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae). Research in veterinary science, 114, 36-40.
GINGER
- Essential oils from Cymbopogan citrates (lemongrass), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Zingiber officinale (ginger) showed promising larvicidal and repellent agent against the mosquitos: C. tritaeniorhynchus and A. subpictus. From: Govindarajan, M. (2011). Larvicidal and repellent properties of some essential oils against Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles and Anopheles subpictus Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae). Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine, 4(2), 106-111.
- Against three mosquito species, Juniperus macropoda (Juniper) and Pimpinella anisum (Anise) were highly effective as both larvicidal and ovicidal. Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) were found to be ovicidal and repellent. Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) resulted into highest repellent values. From: Prajapati, V., Tripathi, A. K., Aggarwal, K. K., & Khanuja, S. P. S. (2005). Insecticidal, repellent and oviposition-deterrent activity of selected essential oils against Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Bioresource Technology, 96(16), 1749-1757.
- Z. officinalis showed larvicidal and repellent activity against filarial vector C. quinquefasciatus mosquitos. From: Pushpanathan, T., Jebanesan, A., & Govindarajan, M. (2008). The essential oil of Zingiber officinalis Linn (Zingiberaceae) as a mosquito larvicidal and repellent agent against the filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 102(6), 1289-1291.
GRAPEFRUIT
- Phytochemical extracts from citrus fruit peels (Citrus sinensis, Citrus limonum,Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus reticulata and Citrus vitus) at a dilution of 20-25% applied topically on human volunteers repelled insects for 2-5 hours. From: Effiom, O. E., Avoaja, D. A., & Ohaeri, C. C. (2012). Mosquito repellent activity of phytochemical extracts from peels of citrus fruit species. Global J Sci Front Res Interdisc, 12(1).
- These tested citrus essential oils are listed in order of repelling effectiveness against two mosquito species when applied to human skin: C. aurantifolia, C. microcarpa, C. maxima, C. reticulate, C. sinensis, C. hystrix, C. aurantium, and C. medica var sarcodaclylis. From: Soonwera, M. (2015). Efficacy of essential oils from Citrus plants against mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti (Linn.) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). Journal of Agricultural Technology, 11(3), 669-681.
HELICHRYSUM
- Lavendula stoechas (lavender), Helichrysum italicum and Laurus nobilis (bay) oils reduced attractivity of yellow fever mosquitoes with promising results from Calamintha nepeta (calamint), and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary). From: Drapeau, J., Fröhler, C., Touraud, D., Kröckel, U., Geier, M., Rose, A., & Kunz, W. (2009). Repellent studies with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and human olfactory tests on 19 essential oils from Corsica, France. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 24(4), 160-169.
- The following essential oils were tested against a mosquito and a housefly species: peppermint (M. piperita), spearmint (M. spicata), basil (O. basilicum), helichrysum (H. italicum), yarrow (A. ligustica), geranium (P. odoratissimum), cinnamon (C. verum) and verbenea (L. alba). Helichrysum and cinnamon showed the highest insecticidal and larvicidal activities. From: Benelli, G., Pavela, R., Giordani, C., Casettari, L., Curzi, G., Cappellacci, L., … & Maggi, F. (2018). Acute and sub-lethal toxicity of eight essential oils of commercial interest against the filariasis mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and the housefly Musca domestica. Industrial crops and products, 112, 668-680.
- Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, Helichrysum italicum, Foeniculum vulgare, Myrtus communis, and Rosmarinus officinalis showed insecticidal activity against a mosquito species. Conti, B., Canale, A., Bertoli, A., Gozzini, F., & Pistelli, L. (2010). Essential oil composition and larvicidal activity of six Mediterranean aromatic plants against the mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 107(6), 1455-1461.
JASMINE
- The constituent cis-jasmone detracted aphids and attracted insects that ate aphids. From: Birkett, M. A., Campbell, C. A., Chamberlain, K., Guerrieri, E., Hick, A. J., Martin, J. L., … & Poppy, G. M. (2000). New roles for cis-jasmone as an insect semiochemical and in plant defense. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 97(16), 9329-9334.
JUNIPER
- Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus. From: Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
KUNZEA
- A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.
- Australian plants demonstrated varying degrees of insect (mosquito) repellency and included: eucalyptus, tea tree, cajuput, manuka, balm mint bush, fragonia, myrtle, cypress, and niaouli. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- Kunzea essential oil showed in vitro antimicrobial activity, some mosquito repelling activity in humans, and may be useful in treating skin fungal and bacterial infections based on a study on horses. From: Thomas, J. (2012). Kunzea oil: investigation of composition, bioactivity and therapeitic potential (Doctoral dissertation, University of Tasmania).
- Citronella and kunzea oils (with and without vanillin) were somewhat mosquito repellent on human volunteers but not as strongly as DEET. From: Thomas, J., Webb, C. E., Narkowicz, C., Jacobson, G. A., Peterson, G. M., Davies, N. W., & Russell, R. C. (2009). Evaluation of repellent properties of volatile extracts from the Australian native plant Kunzea ambigua against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culcidae). Journal of medical entomology, 46(6), 1387-1391.
- The repellency of Australian plants of the Myrtaceae family is reviewed. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- Citronella and kunzea oils (with and without vanillin) were somewhat mosquito repellent on human volunteers but not as strongly as DEET. From: Thomas, J., Webb, C. E., Narkowicz, C., Jacobson, G. A., Peterson, G. M., Davies, N. W., & Russell, R. C. (2009). Evaluation of repellent properties of volatile extracts from the Australian native plant Kunzea ambigua against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culcidae). Journal of medical entomology, 46(6), 1387-1391.
LAVENDER
- Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus. From: Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
- The constituent lavandulol has also been found in the pheromones of mealybugs (Planococcus kraunhiae) and can aid in mating disruption. From: Tabata, J., Teshiba, M., Shimizu, N., & Sugie, H. (2015). Mealybug mating disruption by a sex pheromone derived from lavender essential oil. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 27(3), 232-237.
- Essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus, Lavender officinalis, Rosemarinus officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris showed repellent activities against the mosquito: Culex pipiens pallens. Thyme was the strongest and constituents that were effective included alpha-terpinene, thymol, p-cymene, carvacrol, and linalool. From: Choi, W. S., Park, B. S., Ku, S. K., & Lee, S. E. (2002). Repellent activities of essential oils and monoterpenes against Culex pipiens pallens. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 18(4), 348-351.
- Lavendula stoechas (lavender), Helichrysum italicum and Laurus nobilis (bay) oils reduced attractivity of yellow fever mosquitoes with promising results from Calamintha nepeta (calamint), and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary). From: Drapeau, J., Fröhler, C., Touraud, D., Kröckel, U., Geier, M., Rose, A., & Kunz, W. (2009). Repellent studies with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and human olfactory tests on 19 essential oils from Corsica, France. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 24(4), 160-169.
- Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, Helichrysum italicum, Foeniculum vulgare, Myrtus communis, and Rosmarinus officinalis showed insecticidal activity against a mosquito species. Conti, B., Canale, A., Bertoli, A., Gozzini, F., & Pistelli, L. (2010). Essential oil composition and larvicidal activity of six Mediterranean aromatic plants against the mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 107(6), 1455-1461.
- Eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, and mint showed varying degrees of repellency against the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus Stahl. The knockdown time of nymphs in minutes by constituents was 117.2 (eucalyptol), 408.7 (linalool), 474.0 (menthone), and 484.2 (limonene). While the repellent effect was quite lesser than that of deet, eucalyptol was 3.5 times less toxic. From: Sfara, V., Zerba, E. N., & Alzogaray, R. A. (2009). Fumigant insecticidal activity and repellent effect of five essential oils and seven monoterpenes on first-instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus. Journal of medical entomology, 46(3), 511-515.
LEMON
- Phytochemical extracts from citrus fruit peels (Citrus sinensis, Citrus limonum,Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus reticulata and Citrus vitus) at a dilution of 20-25% applied topically on human volunteers repelled insects for 2-5 hours. From: Effiom, O. E., Avoaja, D. A., & Ohaeri, C. C. (2012). Mosquito repellent activity of phytochemical extracts from peels of citrus fruit species. Global J Sci Front Res Interdisc, 12(1).
- These tested citrus essential oils are listed in order of repelling effectiveness against two mosquito species when applied to human skin: C. aurantifolia, C. microcarpa, C. maxima, C. reticulate, C. sinensis, C. hystrix, C. aurantium, and C. medica var sarcodaclylis. From: Soonwera, M. (2015). Efficacy of essential oils from Citrus plants against mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti (Linn.) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). Journal of Agricultural Technology, 11(3), 669-681.
LEMON VERBENA
- The following plant oils showed repellent activity against the mosquito Aedes aegypti: Acantholippia seriphioides, Achyrocline satureioides, Aloysia citriodora (lemon verbena), Anemia tomentosa, Baccharis spartioides, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Eucalyptus saligna, Hyptis mutabilis, Minthostachys mollis (mint), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Tagetes minuta and Tagetes pusilla (marigold). From: Gillij, Y. G., Gleiser, R. M., & Zygadlo, J. A. (2008). Mosquito repellent activity of essential oils of aromatic plants growing in Argentina. Bioresource technology, 99(7), 2507-2515.
- The following essential oils were tested against a mosquito and a housefly species: peppermint (M. piperita), spearmint (M. spicata), basil (O. basilicum), helichrysum (H. italicum), yarrow (A. ligustica), geranium (P. odoratissimum), cinnamon (C. verum) and verbenea (L. alba). Helichrysum and cinnamon showed the highest insecticidal and larvicidal activities. From: Benelli, G., Pavela, R., Giordani, C., Casettari, L., Curzi, G., Cappellacci, L., … & Maggi, F. (2018). Acute and sub-lethal toxicity of eight essential oils of commercial interest against the filariasis mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and the housefly Musca domestica. Industrial crops and products, 112, 668-680.
LEMONGRASS
- A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.
- Essential oils can be efficient, and safer repellents for humans and the environment. In this mega analysis on insect repelling essential oils, Cymbopogon (lemongrass) spp., Ocimum (basil) spp. and Eucalyptus (eucalyptus) spp. are the most cited. Key constituents cited include α-pinene, limonene, citronellol, citronellal, camphor and thymol. From: Nerio, L. S., Olivero-Verbel, J., & Stashenko, E. (2010). Repellent activity of essential oils: a review. Bioresource technology, 101(1), 372-378.
- Essential oils of Cymbopogan martinii (palmarosa), Cymbopogan citratus (lemon grass) and Cymbopogan nardus (citronella) were as effective as the chemical mylol in repelling mosquitoes. From: Ansari, M. A., & Razdan, R. K. (1995). Relative efficacy of various oils in repelling mosquitoes. Indian journal of malariology, 32(3), 104-111.
LIME
- Curcuma longa (tumeric), Citrus hystrix (lime), Cymbopogon winterianus (citronella), and Ocimum americanum (basil) were assessed for their repellency against three mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles dirus and Culex quinquefasciatus. Turmeric, citronella grass and hairy basil formulated with vanillin demonstrated mosquito repellency similar to deet. From: Tawatsin, A., Wratten, S. D., Scott, R. R., Thavara, U., & Techadamrongsin, Y. (2001). Repellency of volatile oils from plants against three mosquito vectors. Journal of Vector Ecology, 26, 76-82.
- Phytochemical extracts from citrus fruit peels (Citrus sinensis, Citrus limonum,Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus reticulata and Citrus vitus) at a dilution of 20-25% applied topically on human volunteers repelled insects for 2-5 hours. From: Effiom, O. E., Avoaja, D. A., & Ohaeri, C. C. (2012). Mosquito repellent activity of phytochemical extracts from peels of citrus fruit species. Global J Sci Front Res Interdisc, 12(1).
- These tested citrus essential oils are listed in order of repelling effectiveness against two mosquito species when applied to human skin: C. aurantifolia, C. microcarpa, C. maxima, C. reticulate, C. sinensis, C. hystrix, C. aurantium, and C. medica var sarcodaclylis. From: Soonwera, M. (2015). Efficacy of essential oils from Citrus plants against mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti (Linn.) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). Journal of Agricultural Technology, 11(3), 669-681.
LITSEA
- Field trials indicate that an aqueous cream containing 15% of the leaf oils of Litsea elliptica, Cinnamomum mollissimum, and Cymbopogon nardus provided 96.6% protection against mosquito bites. From: Jantan, I., & Zaki, Z. M. (1998). Development of environment-friendly insect repellents from the leaf oils of selected Malaysian plants. ASEAN Rev Biodivers Environ Conserv, 1-7.
- Litsea cubeba (10%), Mentha arvensis (10%) along with vanillin (5%) and tween (5%) in alcohol (70%) showed 4 hours of skin repellency against the mosquito: Aedes albopictus. From: Wu, H., Zhang, M., & Yang, Z. (2019). Repellent activity screening of 12 essential oils against Aedes albopictus Skuse: Repellent liquid preparation of Mentha arvensis and Litsea cubeba oils and bioassay on hand skin. Industrial crops and products, 128, 464-470.
MANUKA
- Australian plants demonstrated varying degrees of insect (mosquito) repellency and included: eucalyptus, tea tree, cajuput, manuka, balm mint bush, fragonia, myrtle, cypress, and niaouli. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- The repellency of Australian plants of the Myrtaceae family is reviewed. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
MARJORAM
- Rosemary and sweet marjoram where pesticidal and repellent against spider mites. From: Momen, F. M., Amer, S. A. A., & Refaat, A. M. (2001). Repellent and oviposition-deterring activity of rosemary and sweet marjoram on the spider mites Tetranychus urticae and Eutetranychus orientalis (Acari: Tetranychidae). Acta Phytopathologica et Entomologica Hungarica, 36(1-2), 155-164.
MYRTLE
- Australian plants demonstrated varying degrees of insect (mosquito) repellency and included: eucalyptus, tea tree, cajuput, manuka, balm mint bush, fragonia, myrtle, cypress, and niaouli. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- The repellency of Australian plants of the Myrtaceae family is reviewed. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, Helichrysum italicum, Foeniculum vulgare, Myrtus communis, and Rosmarinus officinalis showed insecticidal activity against a mosquito species. Conti, B., Canale, A., Bertoli, A., Gozzini, F., & Pistelli, L. (2010). Essential oil composition and larvicidal activity of six Mediterranean aromatic plants against the mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 107(6), 1455-1461.
NEEM
- This was a review of neem ant its azadirachtin constituent and its repelling and insecticidal actions. From: Chaudhary, S., Kanwar, R. K., Sehgal, A., Cahill, D. M., Barrow, C. J., Sehgal, R., & Kanwar, J. R. (2017). Progress on Azadirachta indica based biopesticides in replacing synthetic toxic pesticides. Frontiers in plant science, 8, 610.
- Essential oils from the following plants and their effectiveness as a mosquito repellent was reviewed: Cymbopogon nardus, Eucalyptus maculata, Cymbopogon excavatus, Mentha piperita, and Azadirachta indica. From: Gupta, D. K., Chouhan, M., & Gupta, R. A. (2018). Herbal Mosquito Repellent Formulation from the Essential Oil: A Review. International Journal of Pharmacy & Life Sciences, 9(2).
- A two percent neem oil mixed in coconut oil applied to the skin of humans gave complete protection for 12 hours against the anopheline species of mosquito associated with malaria. From: Sharma, V. P., Ansari, M. A., & Razdan, R. K. (1993). Mosquito repellent action of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 9(3), 359.
- A 2% neem oil mixed in coconut or mustard oil provided 100% protection against teh sand fly: Phlebotomus argentipes. From: Sharma, V. P., & Dhiman, R. C. (1993). Neem oil as a sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) repellent. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 9(3), 364-366.
- A 2% neem oil mixed in coconut oil was effective at repelling multiple mosquito species. From: Sharma, S. K., Dua, V. K., & Sharma, V. P. (1995). Field studies on the mosquito repellent action of neem oil. The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health, 26(1), 180-182.
NIAOULI
- A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.
- Australian plants demonstrated varying degrees of insect (mosquito) repellency and included: eucalyptus, tea tree, cajuput, manuka, balm mint bush, fragonia, myrtle, cypress, and niaouli. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- The repellency of Australian plants of the Myrtaceae family is reviewed. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
ORANGE
- Phytochemical extracts from citrus fruit peels (Citrus sinensis, Citrus limonum,Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus reticulata and Citrus vitus) at a dilution of 20-25% applied topically on human volunteers repelled insects for 2-5 hours. From: Effiom, O. E., Avoaja, D. A., & Ohaeri, C. C. (2012). Mosquito repellent activity of phytochemical extracts from peels of citrus fruit species. Global J Sci Front Res Interdisc, 12(1).
- Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus. From: Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
- These tested citrus essential oils are listed in order of repelling effectiveness against two mosquito species when applied to human skin: C. aurantifolia, C. microcarpa, C. maxima, C. reticulate, C. sinensis, C. hystrix, C. aurantium, and C. medica var sarcodaclylis. From: Soonwera, M. (2015). Efficacy of essential oils from Citrus plants against mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti (Linn.) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). Journal of Agricultural Technology, 11(3), 669-681.
- The insecticidal activities of essential oil extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus Forskål were determined. Extracts of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) were the most toxic, followed by Ferula hermonis Boiss (in the carrot family), Citrus sinensis (orange), Pinus pinea (pine), Laurus nobilis (bay), and Eucalyptus spp. Terpineol and 1,8-cineole components were the most effective in preventing Culex pipiens molestus bites. From: Traboulsi, A. F., El‐Haj, S., Tueni, M., Taoubi, K., Nader, N. A., & Mrad, A. (2005). Repellency and toxicity of aromatic plant extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 61(6), 597-604.
OREGANO
- Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus. From: Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
- Pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil, citronellal, and cymene showed high larvicidal, oviposition deterrent, and/or repellent activities against the denge fever mosquito. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
PALMAROSA
- A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.
- Essential oils of Cymbopogan martinii (palmarosa), Cymbopogan citratus (lemon grass) and Cymbopogan nardus (citronella) were as effective as the chemical mylol in repelling mosquitoes. From: Ansari, M. A., & Razdan, R. K. (1995). Relative efficacy of various oils in repelling mosquitoes. Indian journal of malariology, 32(3), 104-111.
PATCHOULI
- Patchouli essential oil proved insecticidal and repellent against three urban ant species. From: Albuquerque, E. L., Lima, J. K., Souza, F. H., Silva, I. M., Santos, A. A., Araújo, A. P. A., … & Bacci, L. (2013). Insecticidal and repellence activity of the essential oil of Pogostemon cablin against urban ants species. Acta tropica, 127(3), 181-186.
- Patchouli essential oil was pupicidal and repelled multiple mosquito species. From: Gokulakrishnan, J., Kuppusamy, E., Shanmugam, D., Appavu, A., & Kaliyamoorthi, K. (2013). Pupicidal and repellent activities of Pogostemon cablin essential oil chemical compounds against medically important human vector mosquitoes. Asian Pacific journal of tropical disease, 3(1), 26-31.
PEPPERMINT
- Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus. From: Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
- Essential oils from the following plants and their effectiveness as a mosquito repellent was reviewed: Cymbopogon nardus, Eucalyptus maculata, Cymbopogon excavatus, Mentha piperita, and Azadirachta indica. From: Gupta, D. K., Chouhan, M., & Gupta, R. A. (2018). Herbal Mosquito Repellent Formulation from the Essential Oil: A Review. International Journal of Pharmacy & Life Sciences, 9(2).
- Peppermint oil on human skin was effective against three mosquito species. From: Ansari, M. A., Vasudevan, P., Tandon, M., & Razdan, R. K. (2000). Larvicidal and mosquito repellent action of peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil. Bioresource Technology, 71(3), 267-271.
- The following plant oils showed repellent activity against the mosquito Aedes aegypti: Acantholippia seriphioides, Achyrocline satureioides, Aloysia citriodora (lemon verbena), Anemia tomentosa, Baccharis spartioides, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Eucalyptus saligna, Hyptis mutabilis, Minthostachys mollis (mint), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Tagetes minuta and Tagetes pusilla (marigold). From: Gillij, Y. G., Gleiser, R. M., & Zygadlo, J. A. (2008). Mosquito repellent activity of essential oils of aromatic plants growing in Argentina. Bioresource technology, 99(7), 2507-2515.
- Litsea cubeba (10%), Mentha arvensis (10%) along with vanillin (5%) and tween (5%) in alcohol (70%) showed 4 hours of skin repellency against the mosquito: Aedes albopictus. From: Wu, H., Zhang, M., & Yang, Z. (2019). Repellent activity screening of 12 essential oils against Aedes albopictus Skuse: Repellent liquid preparation of Mentha arvensis and Litsea cubeba oils and bioassay on hand skin. Industrial crops and products, 128, 464-470.
- The following essential oils were tested against a mosquito and a housefly species: peppermint (M. piperita), spearmint (M. spicata), basil (O. basilicum), helichrysum (H. italicum), yarrow (A. ligustica), geranium (P. odoratissimum), cinnamon (C. verum) and verbenea (L. alba). Helichrysum and cinnamon showed the highest insecticidal and larvicidal activities. From: Benelli, G., Pavela, R., Giordani, C., Casettari, L., Curzi, G., Cappellacci, L., … & Maggi, F. (2018). Acute and sub-lethal toxicity of eight essential oils of commercial interest against the filariasis mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and the housefly Musca domestica. Industrial crops and products, 112, 668-680.
- Eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, and mint showed varying degrees of repellency against the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus Stahl. The knockdown time of nymphs in minutes by constituents was 117.2 (eucalyptol), 408.7 (linalool), 474.0 (menthone), and 484.2 (limonene). While the repellent effect was quite lesser than that of deet, eucalyptol was 3.5 times less toxic. From: Sfara, V., Zerba, E. N., & Alzogaray, R. A. (2009). Fumigant insecticidal activity and repellent effect of five essential oils and seven monoterpenes on first-instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus. Journal of medical entomology, 46(3), 511-515.
PINE
- The insecticidal activities of essential oil extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus Forskål were determined. Extracts of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) were the most toxic, followed by Ferula hermonis Boiss (in the carrot family), Citrus sinensis (orange), Pinus pinea (pine), Laurus nobilis (bay), and Eucalyptus spp. Terpineol and 1,8-cineole components were the most effective in preventing Culex pipiens molestus bites. From: Traboulsi, A. F., El‐Haj, S., Tueni, M., Taoubi, K., Nader, N. A., & Mrad, A. (2005). Repellency and toxicity of aromatic plant extracts against the mosquito Culex pipiens molestus (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 61(6), 597-604.
PULEGONE
- Against the yellow fever mosquito, pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil and citronellal showed high larvicidal activity. Eugenol, citronellal, thymol, pulegone, rosemary oil and cymene showed oviposition deterrent and/or repellent activities. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
- Pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil, citronellal, and cymene showed high larvicidal, oviposition deterrent, and/or repellent activities against the denge fever mosquito. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
ROSALINA
- A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.
- Australian plants demonstrated varying degrees of insect (mosquito) repellency and included: eucalyptus, tea tree, cajuput, manuka, balm mint bush, fragonia, myrtle, cypress, and niaouli. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
- The repellency of Australian plants of the Myrtaceae family is reviewed. From: Webb, C. E. (2014). Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. Insect repellents handbook, 213.
ROSEMARY
- Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus. From: Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
- Against the yellow fever mosquito, pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil and citronellal showed high larvicidal activity. Eugenol, citronellal, thymol, pulegone, rosemary oil and cymene showed oviposition deterrent and/or repellent activities. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
- Essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus, Lavender officinalis, Rosemarinus officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris showed repellent activities against the mosquito: Culex pipiens pallens. Thyme was the strongest and constituents that were effective included alpha-terpinene, thymol, p-cymene, carvacrol, and linalool. From: Choi, W. S., Park, B. S., Ku, S. K., & Lee, S. E. (2002). Repellent activities of essential oils and monoterpenes against Culex pipiens pallens. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 18(4), 348-351.
- The following plant oils showed repellent activity against the mosquito Aedes aegypti: Acantholippia seriphioides, Achyrocline satureioides, Aloysia citriodora (lemon verbena), Anemia tomentosa, Baccharis spartioides, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Eucalyptus saligna, Hyptis mutabilis, Minthostachys mollis (mint), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Tagetes minuta and Tagetes pusilla (marigold). From: Gillij, Y. G., Gleiser, R. M., & Zygadlo, J. A. (2008). Mosquito repellent activity of essential oils of aromatic plants growing in Argentina. Bioresource technology, 99(7), 2507-2515.
- Rosemary and sweet marjoram where pesticidal and repellent against spider mites. From: Momen, F. M., Amer, S. A. A., & Refaat, A. M. (2001). Repellent and oviposition-deterring activity of rosemary and sweet marjoram on the spider mites Tetranychus urticae and Eutetranychus orientalis (Acari: Tetranychidae). Acta Phytopathologica et Entomologica Hungarica, 36(1-2), 155-164.
- Lavendula stoechas (lavender), Helichrysum italicum and Laurus nobilis (bay) oils reduced attractivity of yellow fever mosquitoes with promising results from Calamintha nepeta (calamint), and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary). From: Drapeau, J., Fröhler, C., Touraud, D., Kröckel, U., Geier, M., Rose, A., & Kunz, W. (2009). Repellent studies with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and human olfactory tests on 19 essential oils from Corsica, France. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 24(4), 160-169.
- Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, Helichrysum italicum, Foeniculum vulgare, Myrtus communis, and Rosmarinus officinalis showed insecticidal activity against a mosquito species. Conti, B., Canale, A., Bertoli, A., Gozzini, F., & Pistelli, L. (2010). Essential oil composition and larvicidal activity of six Mediterranean aromatic plants against the mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 107(6), 1455-1461.
SPEARMINT
- Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus. From: Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
- The following essential oils were tested against a mosquito and a housefly species: peppermint (M. piperita), spearmint (M. spicata), basil (O. basilicum), helichrysum (H. italicum), yarrow (A. ligustica), geranium (P. odoratissimum), cinnamon (C. verum) and verbenea (L. alba). Helichrysum and cinnamon showed the highest insecticidal and larvicidal activities. From: Benelli, G., Pavela, R., Giordani, C., Casettari, L., Curzi, G., Cappellacci, L., … & Maggi, F. (2018). Acute and sub-lethal toxicity of eight essential oils of commercial interest against the filariasis mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and the housefly Musca domestica. Industrial crops and products, 112, 668-680.
TEA TREE
- Leptospermum petersonii, Prostanthera melissifolia, and Melaleuca alternifolia were the three most effective oils to offer short term repellency against mosquitos. From: Maguranyi, S. K., Webb, C. E., Mansfield, S., & Russell, R. C. (2009). Are commercially available essential oils from Australian native plants repellent to mosquitoes?. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 25(3), 292-301.
THUJA
- Apium graveolens (celery), Citrus sinensis (orange), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), Juniperus oxycedrus (juniper), Laurus nobilis (bay), Lavandula hybrida (lavender), Mentha microphylla (mint), Mentha viridis (spearmint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Pistacia terebinthus (turpentine tree), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thuja orientalis (thuja) were effective insect repellents against Acanthoscelides obtectus. From: Papachristos, D. P., & Stamopoulos, D. C. (2002). Repellent, toxic and reproduction inhibitory effects of essential oil vapours on Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)(Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Stored Products Research, 38(2), 117-128.
THYME / THYMOL
- Against the yellow fever mosquito, pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil and citronellal showed high larvicidal activity. Eugenol, citronellal, thymol, pulegone, rosemary oil and cymene showed oviposition deterrent and/or repellent activities. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
- Essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus, Lavender officinalis, Rosemarinus officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris showed repellent activities against the mosquito: Culex pipiens pallens. Thyme was the strongest and constituents that were effective included alpha-terpinene, thymol, p-cymene, carvacrol, and linalool. From: Choi, W. S., Park, B. S., Ku, S. K., & Lee, S. E. (2002). Repellent activities of essential oils and monoterpenes against Culex pipiens pallens. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 18(4), 348-351.
- Pulegone, thymol, eugenol, trans-anithole, rosemary oil, citronellal, and cymene showed high larvicidal, oviposition deterrent, and/or repellent activities against the denge fever mosquito. From: Waliwitiya, R., Kennedy, C. J., & Lowenberger, C. A. (2009). Larvicidal and oviposition‐altering activity of monoterpenoids, trans‐anithole and rosemary oil to the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Pest management science, 65(3), 241-248.
TURMERIC
- Curcuma longa (tumeric), Citrus hystrix (lime), Cymbopogon winterianus (citronella), and Ocimum americanum (basil) were assessed for their repellency against three mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles dirus and Culex quinquefasciatus. Turmeric, citronella grass and hairy basil formulated with vanillin demonstrated mosquito repellency similar to deet. From: Tawatsin, A., Wratten, S. D., Scott, R. R., Thavara, U., & Techadamrongsin, Y. (2001). Repellency of volatile oils from plants against three mosquito vectors. Journal of Vector Ecology, 26, 76-82.
VANILLA / VANILLIN
- Litsea cubeba (10%), Mentha arvensis (10%) along with vanillin (5%) and tween (5%) in alcohol (70%) showed 4 hours of skin repellency against the mosquito: Aedes albopictus. From: Wu, H., Zhang, M., & Yang, Z. (2019). Repellent activity screening of 12 essential oils against Aedes albopictus Skuse: Repellent liquid preparation of Mentha arvensis and Litsea cubeba oils and bioassay on hand skin. Industrial crops and products, 128, 464-470.
- Citronella and kunzea oils (with and without vanillin) were somewhat mosquito repellent on human volunteers but not as strongly as DEET. From: Thomas, J., Webb, C. E., Narkowicz, C., Jacobson, G. A., Peterson, G. M., Davies, N. W., & Russell, R. C. (2009). Evaluation of repellent properties of volatile extracts from the Australian native plant Kunzea ambigua against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culcidae). Journal of medical entomology, 46(6), 1387-1391.
VETIVER
- This study warrants further research of the use of the following plant essential oils to repel insects such as the mosquitos Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles minimus: citronella, hairy basil, catnip, and vetiver. From: Tisgratog, R., Sanguanpong, U., Grieco, J. P., Ngoen-Kluan, R., & Chareonviriyaphap, T. (2016). Plants traditionally used as mosquito repellents and the implication for their use in vector control. Acta tropica, 157, 136-144.
- Vetiver and nootcatone extracts were insecticidal and repellent against ants, ticks, and cockroaches. From: Henderson, G., Heumann, D. O., Laine, R. A., Maistrello, L., Zhu, B. C., & Chen, F. (2005). U.S. Patent No. 6,906,108. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
WINTERGREEN
- Methyl salicylate controlled release increased the amount of predatory insects (Chrysopa nigricornis, Hemerobius sp., Deraeocoris brevis, Stethoruspunctum picipes, Orius tristicolor) and may be useful in the growing of grapes and hops. From: James, D. G., & Price, T. S. (2004). Field-testing of methyl salicylate for recruitment and retention of beneficial insects in grapes and hops. Journal of chemical ecology, 30(8), 1613-1628.
- Methyl salicylate and myrtenal were repellent to the black bean aphid. From: Hardie, J., Isaacs, R., Pickett, J. A., Wadhams, L. J., & Woodcock, C. M. (1994). Methyl salicylate and (−)-(1R, 5S)-myrtenal are plant-derived repellents for black bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scop.(Homoptera: Aphididae). Journal of Chemical Ecology, 20(11), 2847-2855.
YARROW
- The following essential oils were tested against a mosquito and a housefly species: peppermint (M. piperita), spearmint (M. spicata), basil (O. basilicum), helichrysum (H. italicum), yarrow (A. ligustica), geranium (P. odoratissimum), cinnamon (C. verum) and verbenea (L. alba). Helichrysum and cinnamon showed the highest insecticidal and larvicidal activities. From: Benelli, G., Pavela, R., Giordani, C., Casettari, L., Curzi, G., Cappellacci, L., … & Maggi, F. (2018). Acute and sub-lethal toxicity of eight essential oils of commercial interest against the filariasis mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus and the housefly Musca domestica. Industrial crops and products, 112, 668-680.
- Achillea millefolium, Lavandula angustifolia, Helichrysum italicum, Foeniculum vulgare, Myrtus communis, and Rosmarinus officinalis showed insecticidal activity against a mosquito species. Conti, B., Canale, A., Bertoli, A., Gozzini, F., & Pistelli, L. (2010). Essential oil composition and larvicidal activity of six Mediterranean aromatic plants against the mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 107(6), 1455-1461.
YLANG YLANG
- A blend of ylang ylang and citronella essential oils in a corn starch product was repellent against a mosquito species tested, without causing irritation on human skin. From: Wathoni, N., Sofian, F. F., Narsa, A. C., & Mutiara, A. N. (2018). Repellent Activity of Essential Oils from Cananga odorata Lamk. and Cymbopogon nardus L. on Corn Starch-Based Thixogel. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 10(2s), S11.
Compiled by: Kathy Sadowski
Updated: 5/7/2022