More known as DEET, the chemical has been in use since the 1950s as an insect repellent. DEET normally provides up to four hours of protection.
According to Ulrich Bernier, research chemist of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they have actually found seven potential chemicals more powerful than DEET. Tests on cloth showed it was able to repel mosquitoes for as long as 10 weeks, while similar experiments with DEET yielded effectivity of less than three weeks.
The findings of Bernier and his group were presented to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on Monday.
The chemicals named N-acylpiperidines were discovered by the U.S. DA team in a group of compounds related to active ingredients found in black pepper. They tested it against the yellow fever mosquito or the female Aedes aegypti and are now experimenting it against other mosquito species.
The next phase of the test would involve trying if the compounds are safe for human use. If it passes the toxicology tests, Bernier said the product could be marketed within the next four to five years.
Rudy Bueno, director of the Mosquito Control for Harris County, said Bernier's findings appear to be promising.
