International Journal of Tropical Insect Science

Table of Contents - February 1986 - Volume 7, Issue 01  

Research Articles

Preliminary field evaluation of the repellent ‘Simno’ against the blackfly Simulium damnosum s.l., a biting midge and mosquitoes*

A. K. Opokua1 p1, J. N. Rayboulda2 p2 and D. K. Kessiea1

a1 Public Health Laboratory, Volta River Authority, Akosombo, Ghana

a2 WHO Onchocerciasis Control Programme in the Volta River Basin Area, c/o Public Health Laboratory, Akosombo, Ghana

Abstract

The repellent ‘Simno’, which is made in Ghana from edible plant products, was tested in two forms as base-oil and a cream. Biting catches were made by bait subjects with one leg only smeared with a measured amount of ‘Simno’. The catches from each leg were then compared. The base-oil was only tested against Simulium damnosum s.l. It was found to be 100% effective for over 10 hr even after 2 years storage. The repellent cream worked well against a biting midge and various mosquitoes as well as S. damnosum s.l, but was seldom completely effective and the potency varied between samples. Nevertheless, one sample retained its full potency after 2 years storage. ‘Simno’ repellent is convenient to use (especially the cream) and is well accepted by the local people. The active ingredients of'Simno’ need to be identified.

(Received May 27 1985)

(Revised August 16 1985)

Key Words

Correspondence:

p1 Present address: WHO Onchocerciasis Control Programme, B.P. 549, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

p2 Present address: 13, Rownham Mead, Hotwells, Bristol BS8 4YA, England.

Footnotes

* Although the senior author is now a WHO employee, he was not employed by WHO when this work was conducted, and the paper should not be construed as representing the views of that body.

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