A preliminary study on the mosquito repellent effect of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dengue Fever (DF) and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) are now considered as major health problems in the Philippines. N,N,-dietyl-3-toluamide (DEET) is recognized as the most effective against Aedes aegypti. However, the concern about its use have underscored the need to find a safer alternative repellent.OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine and compare the repellent activity of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil against Aedes aegypti with 7% DEET using a double-blind controlled experimental trialMETHODOLOGY: Twenty healthy subjects were allocated systematically by alternate assignment into three treatment groups (Control vs. Tea Tree oil, control vs. 7 percent DEET, Tea Tree oil vs DEET). All subjects were exposed to Aedes aegypti for 5 minutes every hour for 8 hours and the number of mosquitoes biting/landing were recorded and compared for each treatment groupRESULTS: Fifty percent tea tree oil has a repellent activity against Aedes aegypti and its efficacy is comparable to 7% DEET. Both treatments were equally effective in repelling mosquitoes for 7 hours. No cutaneous reactions to both repellents were notedCONCLUSION: The efficacy of tea tree oil is comparable to 7% DEET and is recommended as an alternative natural mosquito repellent.