repelenty

Repelenty, commonly called repellents, are substances or strategies that deter pests or unwanted organisms from approaching people, animals, crops, or spaces. They work by interfering with the sensory cues that pests use to locate hosts or resources, or by making the treated area uncomfortable or unpalatable.

Repellent methods can be chemical, physical, or biological. Chemical repellents include topical formulations for skin or clothing that release volatile compounds (for example DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus) and plant-derived essential oils. Physical approaches include barrier methods such as nets, screens, treated fabrics, or spatial treatments that reduce contact. Biological approaches may rely on pheromones or predator cues, though these are less common for personal protection.

Applications include personal protection against biting insects and ticks; crop protection and post-harvest storage; deterrence of nuisance animals in gardens and landscapes; and animal husbandry settings.

Mechanisms: repellents can mask host odors, create aversive stimuli, or overwhelm sensory systems; some act locally on skin or mucous membranes, others affect olfactory receptors at a distance.

Safety and regulation: Many repellents require careful use following label instructions. Potential skin irritation, allergies, or toxicity can occur, especially with overexposure or ingestion. Regulatory agencies assess efficacy and safety; certain products are restricted for use on children or in food-handling areas.