Natural-Based Repellent Products: Efficacy for Military and General Public Uses

The major points addressed in this article regarding natural- or herbal-based repellents are as follows. 1) It is important to recognize the end user when developing and testing repellents. There is a major difference between repellents suitable for nuisance management by the general public as compared with military or public health uses when battle-field conditions or a disease risk is present. 2) The experimental design used to determine repellent efficacy must also recognize the end user. Pest densities should reflect real-world conditions as much as possible. 3) The experimental design should be directed to the pest population, not at a different product. Remember, we should use scientific logic, not market-driven tactics. 4) There is a need for specific regulatory standards for natural repellents to insure not only quality but the proper and most effective means of application and use. 5) There is a need for increased research and development for natural and synthetic repellents.