Insect repellent

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Insect Repellent

Insect repellent or bug spray is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourages insects from landing or climbing on that surface.

Pronunciation

Insect repellent: /ˈɪnsɛkt rɪˈpɛlənt/

Etymology

The term "insect repellent" originates from the Latin insectum, meaning 'incised' or 'cut into', and the English word repellent, which comes from the Latin repellere meaning 'to drive back'.

Usage

Insect repellents help prevent and control the outbreak of insect-borne diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, dengue fever, bubonic plague, West Nile fever, and Zika virus. They are considered important in the field of public health, particularly in tropical regions where insect-borne diseases are common.

Types

There are several types of insect repellents:

  • Synthetic repellents: These are manufactured chemicals, the most common of which is DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide).
  • Plant-derived repellents: These are made from or the synthesized versions of natural compounds from plants that insects find unattractive or offensive. Examples include citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus oils.
  • Physical repellents: These are devices or materials that deter insects by physical means, such as nets, screens, or certain types of clothing.

Related Terms

External links

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