Pathogens (May 2025)

Repellent Activity of DEET Combined with Botanical Compounds Against <i>Amblyomma sculptum</i> Nymphs: Laboratory and Field Evaluations

  • Mayara Macêdo Barrozo,
  • Haile Dean Figueiredo Chagas,
  • Gabrielly Bernardes Rodrigues Damaceno,
  • Emilly Faria Santos,
  • Rafael Assunção Carvalho,
  • Isabela Santos Silva,
  • Francisca Letícia Vale,
  • Lainny Jordana Martins Pereira e Sousa,
  • Hermes Ribeiro Luz,
  • Lorena Lopes Ferreira,
  • Caio Monteiro

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14050495
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 5
p. 495

Abstract

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This study evaluated the repellent activity of DEET, eugenol, methyl eugenol, 1,8-cineole, and their combinations against Amblyomma sculptum nymphs through laboratory and field tests. Initially, the botanical compounds were tested individually in Petri dish assays to assess repellent activity over various intervals (1 min to 168 h) at concentrations of 2%. Eugenol and methyl eugenol exhibited the highest average repellent percentages (60 to 90%), with significant effects (p p p < 0.05) lasting only 20 min. The results highlight the potential of eugenol and methyl eugenol as repellent compounds, especially when combined with DEET. The field study confirmed the efficacy of the 7% DEET + 1% eugenol.

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