The ancient Romans applied a vinegar concoction

to their head and feet and burned herbs such as

oregano and black cumin to ward off insects.
The Persians and the Dalmatians cultivated pyrethrum
daisies, which produce a natural insecticide that can
be used as a powder or in incense sticks. This was
documented by Dioscorides, a Greek physician and
botanist, who lived in the 1st century AD
The Native Americans used root vegetables,
fringed sagewort, and other plants as
ointments or fuels for fire to deter insects.
This was observed by European explorers
and settlers who arrived in North America
from the 15th century onwards
The Southeast Asians extracted citronella
oil from a grass species, which was the first
truly effective mosquito repellent.
Citronella had been used for medicinal
purposes before it was discovered to repel
mosquitoes. This discovery was made by a
French chemist named Maunoury in 1901
CAN INSECT REPELLENT AFFECT WILDFIRE?

Insect repellents can potentially affect wildlife, depending on their chemical composition and concentration, as well as the specific species of wildlife exposed to them.
As mentioned, DEET has been found to be slightly toxic to birds, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. However, picaridin is considered to be practically non-toxic to these
same wildlife groups. Information on the toxicity of other insect repellents such as IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus to birds and fish is less available. Studies have
not found significant effects on small organisms like snails, mayflies, or water fleas from small amounts of DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 in natural waters. Overall, the
impact of insect repellents on wildlife depends on various factors, including the specific chemical composition, concentration, exposure duration, and the sensitivity of
the species involved. Environmental monitoring and responsible use of insect repellents can help minimize potential risks to wildlife
CAN INSECT REPELLENT AFFECT PEOPLE?
Some people can react to insect repellents, especially if they have sensitive skin or allergies to certain ingredients. While insect repellents are generally low or very low
in toxicity when applied to the skin according to label instructions, individuals may still experience skin irritation or allergic reactions in rare cases. Additionally, inhaling
spray repellents or accidentally ingesting residues left on hands can lead to adverse effects such as coughing and respiratory irritation. It's essential to follow label
directions carefully when using insect repellents to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Avoiding contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes, ears, and mouth, and
washing hands after application can further reduce the likelihood of adverse effects. If someone experiences any unusual symptoms after using insect repellents, they
should seek medical advice promptly.
CAN INSECT REPELLENT AFFECT WILDFIRE?
Insect repellents can potentially affect wildlife, depending on their chemical composition and concentration, as well as the specific species of wildlife exposed to them.
As mentioned, DEET has been found to be slightly toxic to birds, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. However, picaridin is considered to be practically non-toxic to these
same wildlife groups. Information on the toxicity of other insect repellents such as IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus to birds and fish is less available. Studies have
not found significant effects on small organisms like snails, mayflies, or water fleas from small amounts of DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 in natural waters. Overall, the
impact of insect repellents on wildlife depends on various factors, including the specific chemical composition, concentration, exposure duration, and the sensitivity of
the species involved. Environmental monitoring and responsible use of insect repellents can help minimize potential risks to wildlife

CAN INSECT REPELLENT AFFECT PEOPLE?

Some people can react to insect repellents, especially if they have sensitive skin or allergies to certain ingredients. While insect repellents are generally low or very low
in toxicity when applied to the skin according to label instructions, individuals may still experience skin irritation or allergic reactions in rare cases. Additionally, inhaling
spray repellents or accidentally ingesting residues left on hands can lead to adverse effects such as coughing and respiratory irritation. It's essential to follow label
directions carefully when using insect repellents to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Avoiding contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes, ears, and mouth, and
washing hands after application can further reduce the likelihood of adverse effects. If someone experiences any unusual symptoms after using insect repellents, they
should seek medical advice promptly.
INSECT REPELLENT

• come in various forms such as

sprays, lotions, and wristbands,
and contain ingredients like DEET,
Icaridin, IR3535, and Citriodiol
• protecting yourself from insect-
borne diseases
what is that makes humans so
alluring to mosquitoes
RECEPTORS
ANTENNAE
OLFACTORY
RECEPTORS.
RECEPTOR
NEURON
PROBOSCIS
A proboscis is an elongated
feeding tube attached to the
head of an animal. The most
well known example of a
proboscis in insects is the
feeding tube used by adult
butterflies and moths.
CARBON-DIOXIDE FROM
BREATH
SENSING BODY HEAT

CERTAIN COMPOUNDS IN
THE SWEAT.
1-octen-3-ol
C8H16O
MUSHROOM ALCOHOL
• Used to trap insects
• Also known as 1-octen-3-ol
• It is so potent in this regard that it is
used in insect traps to lure in their
unsuspecting prey. Interestingly, it is
more commonly referred to as
“mushroom alcohol”, as a particularly
optical isomer of this compound is
produced by mushrooms and
considered largely responsible for
their aroma and flavor.
OPTICAL ISOMER
two compounds which contain the same
number and kinds of atoms, and bonds
and different spatial arrangements of the
atoms, but which have non-superimposable
mirror images. Each non-superimposable
mirror image structure is called
an enantiomer.
wo possible lab syntheses of 1-octen-3-ol are

by the Grignard reaction of acrolein and amyl iodide

wo possible lab syntheses of 1-octen-3-ol are

by the Grignard reaction of acrolein and amyl iodide

by the selective reduction of 1-octen-3-one

Biochemically, 1-octen-3-ol is generated from the

peroxidation of linoleic acid, catalyzed by a
lipoxygenase, followed by cleavage of the resulting
hydroperoxide with the help of a hydroperoxide lyase.
This reaction takes place in cheese and is used in
biotechnology to produce the -isomer.
wo possible lab syntheses of 1-octen-3-ol are

by the Grignard reaction of acrolein and amyl iodide

by the selective reduction of 1-octen-3-one

Biochemically, 1-octen-3-ol is generated from the

peroxidation of linoleic acid, catalyzed by a
lipoxygenase, followed by cleavage of the resulting
hydroperoxide with the help of a hydroperoxide lyase.
This reaction takes place in cheese and is used in
biotechnology to produce the (R)-isomer.[12][13]
PHYSICAL BARRIERS
CHEMICAL INTERFERENCE

Certain repellents create physical barriers that

MASKING prevent insects from reaching the host. For
instance, wearing protective clothing or applying
ODOR-BASED Repulsion:
repellent-containing barriers, such as nets or
screens, impedes insects' access to the skin or
enclosed spaces, thereby reducing the risk of
bites or infestation.
CHEMICAL INTERFERENCE
Some repellents disrupt the chemical signaling
PHYSICAL BARRIERS

pathways used by insects to locate their hosts.

These repellents may contain compounds that
MASKING interfere with insects' ability to detect carbon
dioxide, lactic acid, or other chemical cues
ODOR-BASED Repulsion:
emitted by the host. By disrupting these
chemical signals, the repellent reduces the
likelihood of insects locating and approaching
the host.
PHYSICAL BARRIERS repellents work by masking the
natural odor or chemical cues
CHEMICAL INTERFERENCE emitted by the host organism,
thereby making it difficult for insects
MASKING to detect and locate their target. By
ODOR-BASED Repulsion:
obscuring the host's scent, the
repellent diminishes the likelihood
of insects being attracted to the
individual or area.
ODOR-BASED Repulsion:
PHYSICAL BARRIERS

Many repellents contain compounds with

odors that are repellent to insects. These
CHEMICAL INTERFERENCE

MASKING
compounds create an olfactory signal that
insects perceive as unpleasant or noxious,
prompting them to avoid the treated area or
individual. The unpleasant odor acts as a
deterrent, discouraging insects from landing
or biting.
ODOR-BASED Repulsion:
PHYSICAL BARRIERS

Many repellents contain compounds with

odors that are repellent to insects. These
CHEMICAL INTERFERENCE

MASKING
compounds create an olfactory signal that
insects perceive as unpleasant or noxious,
prompting them to avoid the treated area or
individual. The unpleasant odor acts as a
deterrent, discouraging insects from landing
or biting.
ODOR-BASED Repulsion:
PHYSICAL BARRIERS

Many repellents contain compounds with

odors that are repellent to insects. These
CHEMICAL INTERFERENCE

MASKING
compounds create an olfactory signal that
insects perceive as unpleasant or noxious,
prompting them to avoid the treated area or
individual. The unpleasant odor acts as a
deterrent, discouraging insects from landing
or biting.
CAN INSECT REPELLENT AFFECT
WILDFIRE?
• depending on their chemical composition and
concentration.
• Overall, the impact of insect repellents on wildlife
depends on various factors, including the specific
chemical composition, concentration, exposure
duration, and the sensitivity of the species involved.
• Environmental monitoring and responsible use of insect
repellents can help minimize potential risks to wildlife
CAN INSECT REPELLENT AFFECT
PEOPLE?
• if they have sensitive skin or allergies
• low in toxicity when applied to the skin according to label
instructions individuals may still experience skin irritation
or allergic reactions in rare cases.
• inhaling spray repellents = coughing and respiratory
irritation.
• follow label directions carefully = minimize the risk of
adverse reactions. \If someone experiences any unusual
symptoms after using insect repellents, they should seek
medical advice promptly.