Is the extract from the plant catmint (Nepeta cataria) repellent to mosquitoes in Australia?
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 +/- 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.
Webb
Cameron E
CE
University of Sydney and Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Department of Medical Entomology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
Russell
Richard C
RC
D000330:Aedes; D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D003465:Culex; D006801:Humans; D007302:Insect Repellents; D027521:Nepeta; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013045:Species Specificity
D007302:Insect Repellents; D010936:Plant Extracts