Research Article Open Access

Analysis of Insect Repellent Behavior of Eucalyptus Oil and Cedar Wood Oil towards Lepisma saccharina

Abstract

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) is a household insect found at damp places, Silverfish has enzymes in its gut that digest cellulose. Silverfish choose bookcases, closets and places where books, clothing, starch or dry foods are available. Silver fish eat any kind of starch, including the glue in book bindings; paper; and natural fabrics like linen, cotton and wool. Natural insect repellents are best alternative to use while considering the chemical compounds involved with commercial products. Essential oils can be used as natural insecticides for silverfish. Eucalyptus and cedar wood oils are the type of essential oil having medicinal, aromatic, antibacterial, antimicrobial and insect repellent properties. They are the natural source of fragrance and insect repellent finish. Present invention set a new approach to repel insects like silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) by using these two essential oils on fabric through microencapsulation finish. A comparison was made between developed finish from eucalyptus oil and cedar wood oil to demonstrate the best insect repellent behavior.

Rachna Sharma *, Alka Goel

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