Repellents for mosquito-borne disease control: beyond the repellency effect

Abstract

The most common and recommended practices for the control of mosquito-borne diseases are insecticide-based methods and repellent formulations. Nonetheless, as a consequence of a currently widespread insecticide resistance in mosquito populations, and the raising concerns about the environmental impact of insecticides, the interest in repellents, as a potential alternative to reduce disease transmission, is currently increasing. In this chapter, we first present the main advantages, limitations and inconveniences for the use of repellent molecules. Second, we highlight the major factors, which may explain the current discrepancy between the expected and observed efficacy of repellent use, for mosquito-borne disease control. Finally, we summarise the main perspectives for the rational design of repellent molecules.