Mosquitoes transmit a variety of pathogens, including viruses, protozoans, and nematodes, and new chemistries are constantly needed for adult mosquito control to combat both chemical resistance to pesticides currently used, and to reduce our reliance on synthetic pesticides. We have shown in the laboratory that a natural product, methyl benzoate (MB) (floral volatile organic compound) analogs, are toxic when topically applied to adult female mosquitoes Aedes aegypti. The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., is a pest with a long history of being a household nuisance. Once an infestation is present, extermination can be difficult, costly, and time consuming, making prevention measures a valuable investment. In laboratory spatial behavioral bioassay of bed bugs, we found that several analogs exhibited higher repellent effect than DEET and extended durational repellency compared to the parent compound MB, thus making these promising candidates for further research into bed bug prevention. This information will be useful to researchers involved in designing and using new control products for pests of medical importance.
