Pest control insect repellents

Natural Insect Attractants and Repellents, New Tools in Pest Control... 

This is not a complete review of the literature of naturally occurring substances that are being or may be used in pest control. Excellent reviews cover well the older literature of natural insect at-tractants (9, 32, 37, 40, 41, 43, 44, 71) and repellents (7, 17, 22, 25, 54, 63, 64). Only the more important recent developments in this field are discussed here. I hope that this report will stimulate the increased interest and investigation on the part of both chemists and entomologists, working together, that is needed to make the concept a reality. 

Since its first issue, editors of Organic Gardening magazine have collected the pest-control remedies and recipes mailed in by readers from around the world. Several ideas were repeatedly offered as safe, effective insect controls. The editors combined several of these home remedies to make an all-purpose spray out of ingredients found in most kitchens. This spray combines the repellent effects of garlic, onion, and hot pepper with the insecticidal and surfactant properties of soap. 

Throughout history, various types of pests, such as insects, weeds, bacteria, rodents, and other biological organisms, have bothered humans or threatened human health. People have been nsing pesticides for thousands of years to try to control these pests. The Snmerians used sulfur to control insects and mites 5,000 years ago. The Chinese used mercury and arsenic compotmds to control body lice and other pests. The Greeks and Romans used oil, ash, sulfur, and other materials to protect themselves, their hvestock, and their crops from various pests. And people in various cultures have used smoke, salt, spices, and insect-repelling plants to preserve food and keep pests away. 

Pesticides are used to control cockroaches and other imdesirable pests. They come in many forms, such as ant powders, insect repellents, and slug pellets. They are used in the environment and in the household to ensure that our food supplies are protected while they are growing and while they are stored in our fruit bowls and vegetable racks. Pesticides are effective pest killers, but are also harmful to humans therefore, the use of these materials is covered by legislation and only those permitted within a country can be used legitimately at a controlled level. 

Also Chinese documents from the Shang Dynasty (1523-1027 BC) reveal the threats posed by insects. Therefore, attempts were made to battle, for example, the migratory locust Locusta migratoria maniiensis with fire. In Greek and Roman writings, there are reports of plant damage, preventive measures, and pest control possibilities. For instance, Phny the Elder describes the use of ashes, crushed cypress leaves and diluted urine as insect repellents. 

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