Reducing Close Encounters with Insect Pests and Vectors: The Past, Present and Future of Insect Repellents.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Entomology
• Public Health

Background:

• Insects as agricultural pests and disease vectors present major global challenges to health, food security, and economies.
• Existing control methods like chemical insecticides, repellents, and biological/genetic manipulations face challenges from insect resistance, population growth, and climate change.
• Environmental and socio-political factors also influence the effectiveness of current and emerging insect control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical challenges posed by detrimental insect populations.
• To describe the evolution of chemical insect control technologies.
• To highlight current and contemporary approaches for developing and deploying chemical repellents.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical and current insect control strategies.
• Analysis of the evolution of chemical insecticides and repellents.
• Examination of emerging innovative strategies and their challenges.

Main Results:

• Insect resistance and changing environmental conditions necessitate novel control technologies.
• Chemical control methods have evolved significantly over time.
• Development and deployment of effective chemical repellents remain crucial for human health and agriculture.

Conclusions:

• The increasing threat from insect pests and vectors requires continued basic and translational research.
• Novel technologies, particularly chemical repellents, are essential for combating detrimental insect populations.
• Addressing insect-borne threats requires a multifaceted approach considering scientific, environmental, and socio-political factors.