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Better than DEET Repellent Compounds Derived from Coconut Oil.

Junwei J Zhu1, Steven C Cermak2, James A Kenar2

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Area of Science:

  • Entomology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hematophagous arthropods transmit pathogens, causing significant global disease burden and mortality.
  • N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) is a widely used repellent but has associated health concerns, especially for vulnerable populations.
  • There is a need for safe, effective, and affordable arthropod repellents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and evaluate novel repellent compounds derived from coconut oil.
  • To assess the efficacy and spectrum of activity of these coconut fatty acids against various blood-sucking arthropods.
  • To compare the repellent activity of coconut fatty acids with DEET and evaluate a natural repellent formulation for livestock.

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory bioassays were conducted to test the repellent activity of medium-chain fatty acids (C8:0 to C12:0) from coconut oil against biting flies, bed bugs, ticks, and mosquitoes.
  • Residual activity was assessed over time post-application.
  • An aqueous starch-based formulation containing coconut fatty acids was tested on cattle for protection against biting flies under field conditions.

Main Results:

  • Coconut fatty acids, particularly C8:0 to C12:0, demonstrated significant repellent activity against a broad range of arthropods.
  • Repellency against biting flies and bed bugs lasted for two weeks, and against ticks for one week, outperforming DEET in duration and strength.
  • The natural repellent formulation protected cattle from biting flies for up to 96 hours, representing the longest documented protection for a natural repellent.

Conclusions:

  • Coconut fatty acids are potent, broad-spectrum arthropod repellents with superior efficacy and residual activity compared to DEET.
  • These natural compounds offer a safe, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for personal protection and livestock management.
  • Further development of coconut fatty acid-based repellents holds promise for reducing the impact of vector-borne diseases.