CDC discovers new natural tick and mosquito repellent, according to CDC news release
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Scientists have found a new way to repel and kill forests and mosquitoes with a natural ingredient found in grapefruit and cedar trees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nutcatone, the ingredient responsible for the smell and taste of grapefruit, and found in some perfumes, is capable of repeating and killing ticks, mosquitos and other biting pests, according to a CDC news release.
“Studies show that when nut cotton is formulated in insect repellents, they can protect against bites at similar rates as products containing other already active ingredients and can provide up to several hours of protection,” the CDC said in a statement. Nutcatone, has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in insecticides and insect repellents after it was discovered and developed by the CDC, according to the release.
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“CDC is proud to have led the research and development of nut cotton,” said Jay C. Butler, MD, Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases. “Offering new alternatives to existing bite prevention methods paves the way for solving one of the biggest challenges in preventing vector-borne diseases – preventing bites.”
The federal agency stated that Nootkatone will be used to develop new insecticides and repellents to protect humans and pets from bug-biting insects. Pest control companies are in talks with Evolva, the CDC’s licensing partner, regarding the development of commercial partnerships. Commercial products may be available since 2022.
“This new active ingredient has the potential to be used in future insect repellents and pesticides that will protect people from disease. In many areas of the United States, mosquitoes have become resistant to currently available pesticides. A new active ingredient in our toolbox will help vector control tools. Alexandra Dapolito Dunn, EPA Assistant Manager for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention said in the news release.
The CDC stated that the number of reported cases of mosquito and tick-borne diseases doubled from 2004 to 2018, and tick-borne related diseases represent almost 8 in 10 of all reported cases of vector-borne disease in the US
