EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LOCALLY SOURCED HERBAL INGREDIENTS AS MOSQUITO REPELLENTS

*Shivi Bhasin, Ayesha Sheikh, Prachi and Anushka Sahu

ABSTRACT

Mosquitoes persistent and disease-carrying insects, have always been a big nuisance to the society. To humans, they have always been agents of transmitting deadly disease like Malaria, Dengue and Zinka virus which makes them a topic of global health concern. So, controlling their spread becomes need of hour and use of mosquito repellents has always been a common answer to this spread. Mosquito repellent is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourages insects particularly mosquitoes from landing or climbing on that surface. Many chemicals have been used for the purpose of mosquito repellency or killing, however they are extremely harmful for human beings. So, recently, commercial repellent products containing plant-based ingredients have gained popularity among consumers, these are commonly perceived as “safe” in comparison to long-established synthetic repellents. Based on the knowledge on traditional repellent plants obtained through ethnobotanical studies, development of new natural products is an urgent and continuous requirement. This paper intends to provide a herbal based mosquito spray developed from plant based ingredients containing Neem, Tulsi, Cinnamon, Camphor, Lantana, Citronella, Vinegar, Castor Oil, Rose Water, Essential oil and Lemongrass etc. in appropriate concentration and with high repellency frequency and good consumer safety value.

Keywords: Mosquito Repellent Spray, Mosquito, Plant based ingredient, Repellent Frequency.