From the latest issue of Science News.
"In search of a mosquito repellant, scientists there were studying synthetic versions of a protein normally found in the gut of larval mosquitoes, where it makes the larvae stop eating at the appropriate time.
When team member R. Michael Roe looked at the molecular shape of the proteins, he noticed that their structure was similar to a compound in tomatoes that protects them from plant-eating insects.
Insect Biotechnology of Durham, N.C., has licensed the tomato compound for new lines of repellents and recently completed tests of an ointment laced with the chemical, now known as IBI-246. Even 12 hours after being applied to a volunteer’s arm, it proved 91 percent successful at deterring landings by mosquitoes. In comparison, the company’s tests of DEET, the active ingredient in many current mosquito repellents, showed that after 12 hours, it inhibited landings by only 78 percent.
In addition, the tomato-based repellent is rated as less toxic than DEET, and it works against a broad range of pests, including ticks and fleas. Pending Environmental Protection Agency approval, pest-control products based on the compound, to be called SkeeterShield, could be marketed by next spring."
Here in Wisconsin, where skeeters grow as big as Hummingbirds, I enthusiastically welcome this new development!