Relative efficacy of DEPA and neem oil for repellent activity against Phlebotomus papatasi, the vector of leishmaniasis.

ABSTRACT

The insect repellent N, N-diethylphenyl acetamide (DEPA) was compared with neem oil, a commercial preparation, for protection against 3 day old un-fed female of the sandfly, Phlebotomus papatasi, (Diptera Psychodidae) under laboratory conditions on mouse. The percentage protection against sandfly bite provided by neem oil was significantly higher than DEPA when applied at 1% and 2% concentrations (p = 0.000, t = 21.474; df = 6 and p = 0.001, t = 5.960; df = 6 respectively). However, neem oil did not show any significant difference with DEPA at 5% (p = 0.1682, t = 0.15667; df = 6). This clearly indicates that at higher concentration (5%) both neem oil and DEPA exhibited similar repellent action against P. papatasi.