As the warmer weather approaches, many New Jersey residents will venture outdoors for spring and summertime activities. Unfortunately the downside of enjoying the great outdoors is that New Jersey residents must always be on the lookout for harmful bloodsucking insects. Ticks and mosquitos lie in wait, ready to strike at a moment’s notice.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) report that ticks bites cause 30,000 Lyme disease infections every year in the United States. Mosquitos are known carriers of viruses and disease causing pathogens. According to the CDC, in the United States, the mosquito-borne West Nile virus causes 600 potentially fatal brain infections each year. Currently, the only way of avoiding these dangerous outdoor pests is to use a topical bug repellent. Despite the risks and warnings, many people choose to venture outdoors unprotected…putting themselves in danger.
There could be some good news on the horizon in the war against bloodsucking outdoor pests though. The CDC is currently studying an essential oil called nootkatone, which is derived from the Alaskan yellow cedar tree, grapefruit, and vetiver grass. Nootkatone is non-toxic and can be found in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and is classified as “Generally Considered Safe” as a natural food additive.
Test studies have shown that Nootkatone is effective as a mosquito and tick repellent as well. Even better news is that research has shown that it nootkatone not only repels insects, it KILLS insects…quickly! Nootkatone works by “blocking receptors on insects’ nerve cells for a neurotransmitter called octopamine.”
The CDC is hopeful that a new environmentally safe pesticide can quickly be developed using nootkatone. Scientists believe that it will also be effective against other types of annoying bloodsuckers such as head lice and bed bugs as well.
As a repellent, scientists believe that nootkatone will be effective in soaps and sunscreens in the near future. Case studies have been performed on residential properties in Connecticut where a formulation of nootkatone was used as a barrier method for tick prevention. On the homes that were used in the study, no live ticks were found for the entire summer months!
The CDC owns patents on nootkatone and has licensed one company to develop insecticides and one to develop a repellent. Food grade nootkatone is extremely expensive, but the CDC is looking for less expensive alternatives so that this fantastic new product can become a wide spread, cost effective alternative for use by pest control professionals and the public.