Evaluation of Three Mosquito Repellent Screening Methods.

Abstract : Sweat-off, dry protection, and wash-off screening methods were evaluated on man based on their capacity to rank the four best repellents presently available for efficacy against the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.). DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), dimethyl phthalate, 6-12 (2-ethyl-1, 3 e-hexanediol), and Indalone (3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-4-oxo-2H-pyran-6-carboxylic acid butyl ester) were applied directly to the forearms using a new four-site test design. DEET protected significantly longer than the others under dry conditions. Two trials of the wash-off method showed DEET and dimethyl phthalate to be equally effective; 6-12 and Indalone were less effective but not separable. On an overall basis, DEET was judged the most effective. (Modified author abstract)