The study evaluated the effectiveness of repellents against adult ticks of the genus Amblyomma, comparing a widely used chemical repellent (DEET) with two naturally derived alternatives called GlycoProtec and GlycoPlatinum. The research used laboratory tests in which the behavior of ticks was observed when they came into contact with or approached surfaces treated with these products.
The experiments were conducted with two tick species, Amblyomma mixtum and Amblyomma americanum. The results showed that the natural repellents evaluated may have an effectiveness comparable to DEET under certain conditions, especially against A. americanum. In other tests, particularly with A. mixtum, the results were less conclusive depending on the type of assay used.
Overall, the study provides important information about the potential of naturally derived repellents as alternatives to traditional chemical products, which could help expand the available options for reducing exposure to ticks and the diseases they transmit.
This work was carried out in collaboration with researchers from the University of Oklahoma, as part of a project aimed at improving tick protection strategies through the development and evaluation of new repellent solutions.
Reference:
Entomological Society of America. (2026). D31 – Down and out: In vitro comparisons of synthetic and naturally derived repellents efficacy against adult Amblyomma species (Acari: Ixodidae) in horizontal and vertical bioassays.
https://esa.confex.com/esa/2026swb/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/166501
