Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Methodology to Test Control Agents and Insecticides Against the Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus hampei
Published on: March 23, 2022
[Evaluation of cocoa oil for individual protection against Simulium damnosum s.i]
X Pitroipa1, D Sankara, L Konan
1Institut Pierre Richet, 01 BP 1500 Bouaké 01, Côte d'Ivoire.
Abstract:
Thanks to larviciding and distribution of ivermectine, transmission of onchocerciasis was virtually halted in all countries covered by the WHO Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP). However as a result of this success vector control has been stopped in most areas covered by the program and a recrudescence of files is an increasing problem. In some rural communities fly biting hinders normal agricultural activity. Since local farmers cannot afford ground larviciding, many rely on topical repellents. For this reason, development of an inexpensive method of individual protection is a major priority. The purpose of this study carried out in the savannah area of the Côte d'Ivoire was to assess the repellent properties of cocoa oil, which is frequently used in some rural areas of the Côte d'Ivoire to prevent fly biting. Results showed that cocoa oil provides excellent protection against Simulium damnosum s.l.
Insights
Cocoa oil effectively repels biting flies, offering an affordable solution for rural communities in Côte d'Ivoire. This natural repellent combats the resurgence of flies, aiding agricultural activities impacted by onchocerciasis vector control cessation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Tropical Public Health
- Natural Product Research
Background:
- Onchocerciasis transmission was significantly reduced by the WHO Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) through larviciding and ivermectin distribution.
- Cessation of vector control has led to a resurgence of black flies (Simulium damnosum s.l.) in OCP-covered areas, impacting agriculture.
- Rural farmers in affected regions require inexpensive personal protection methods against biting flies due to the unaffordability of ground larviciding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cocoa oil as a topical repellent against biting flies.
- To explore the potential of a readily available natural product for personal protection in endemic areas.
Main Methods:
- Field study conducted in the savannah region of Côte d'Ivoire.
- Assessment of the repellent properties of cocoa oil against Simulium damnosum s.l.
Main Results:
- Cocoa oil demonstrated excellent repellent activity against Simulium damnosum s.l.
- The study confirmed the protective efficacy of cocoa oil against biting flies.
Conclusions:
- Cocoa oil presents a viable, inexpensive personal protection strategy against biting flies in rural communities.
- The findings support the use of cocoa oil as a practical repellent to mitigate agricultural disruption caused by fly-borne diseases.
