Evaluating repellence properties of a catnip essential oil-based mosquito repellent: From laboratory studies to human field trials in eastern Uganda

Randerson, Peter ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2744-3122, Batume, Charles, Ssegudja, Isaac, Ludlow, Richard, Mutaka, Sarah, Pickett, John ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8386-3770 and Scofield, Simon ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5466-314X 2026. Evaluating repellence properties of a catnip essential oil-based mosquito repellent: From laboratory studies to human field trials in eastern Uganda. Presented at: XXVI International Science Conference, Kyiv, Ukraine, 25-26 June 2026. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Ecology. Man. Society". Матеріали міжнародної науково-практиченої конференції "Екологія Людина Суспільство". pp. 90-101. 10.20535/EHS2710-3315.2026.363930

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Abstract

Mosquitoes (Diperta: Culicidae) act as vectors for human pathogens causing several diseases, including malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever. Mosquito repellents represent one of the primary measures used to reduce the risk of these diseases in humans by reducing mosquito landing and biting events. Nepetalactone, a natural insect repellent primarily found in the essential oil of catnip (Lamiaceae; Nepeta cataria), has proven mosquito repellence properties, but has not been widely exploited as a mosquito repellent in malaria-endemic regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa. We evaluated the potential of catnip essential oil (> 95% nepetalactone) for use as a mosquito repellent. Using a Y-tube olfactometer and human hands as an attractant, we analysed the effectiveness of catnip oil at repelling the mosquito species Aedes aegypti. Testing a range of dilutions of catnip essential oil showed that concentrations as low as 2% were effective at repelling > 70% of mosquitoes for between one and four hours after repellent application. Subsequently, we used the human landing catch (HLC) method in field trials in Eastern Uganda. We analysed the effectiveness of a locally produced lotion containing 2% or 6% catnip oil at repelling mosquitoes compared to a lotion lacking catnip oil (negative control) and to a commercial repellent containing 15% DEET (positive control). Lotions containing both concentrations of catnip oil were highly effective at preventing mosquito landing, with 6% catnip oil performing as well as 15% DEET. Our findings suggest that nepetalactone could be used as a natural, locally sourced and effective alternative to synthetic commercial mosquito repellents, thereby representing a viable import substitution option for protection against mosquito-borne diseases. Implementing such a health intervention would need to be mediated through a trusted local agency, and requires the involvement of community leaders, leading to both health and economic benefits among the community.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item - published (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Physical, Chemical & Environmental Sciences Schools > Biosciences
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	19 August 2026
Last Modified:	19 Aug 2026 13:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189093

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