Is the extract from the plant catmint (Nepeta cataria) repellent to mosquitoes in Australia?
Autor(es): Webb, C. E.; Russell, R. C.
Resumo: The repellency of Nepeta cataria (catmint or catnip) was tested against Aedes aegypti, Ae. vigilax, Culex annulirostris, and Cx. quinquefasciatus, and compared with a blend of natural plant extracts and N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (deet) on human skin. The catmint and natural plant extract blend did not provide the same level of protection from biting mosquitoes as deet. There were significant differences in the level of protection provided by catmint to the 4 species of mosquito, with mean protection times ranging from 0 min for Ae. aegypti up to 240 plus or minus 60 min for Cx. quinquefasciatus. Significant differences in the mean landing rates of the 4 mosquito species on untreated forearms highlighted the difficulties in comparing laboratory tests of repellents between species.
Palavras-Chave: Repellents; Pest control; Aquatic insects; Public health; Skin; Biting; DEET; Repellency; Plant extracts; Forearm; Culex annulirostris; Aedes aegypti; Nepeta cataria
Imprenta: Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, v. 23, n. 3, p. 351-354, 2007.
Descritores: Aedes aegypti - Repellent ; Aedes aegypti - Public health
Data de publicação: 2007
