USDA looks for next-generation insect repellent: study

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

CHICAGO (AFP) — American researchers have identified several new potential insect repellants that are three times more potent than DEET, the active ingredient in most tick and insect repellents, a study released Monday said.

In laboratory tests, the new compounds protected human volunteers from mosquitoes two to three times longer than DEET, (n,n-diethyl-m-toluamide), which has served as the gold standard of repellents for more than 50 years.

While DEET repellents offer broad-based protection from a variety of insects, mosquitoes continue to spread diseases such as malaria and some mosquitoes can bite through an application of DEET, the paper said.

"It would be good to have more effective repellents that protect against a greater number of insect species,"...