Development of repellents from catnip essential oil, Nepeta cataria, for ecologically friendly control of the biting midge Culicoides imicola and the prevention of the Arboviruses it transmits

Culicoides imicola biting midges are among the most important arthropod pests of livestock, and due to changing climate and agronomic practices are poised to expand their roles as pests and disease vectors. Current management technologies are unable to effectively manage C. imicola. This project proposes to address the development of novel technologies for managing C. imicola populations and their impact on livestock using applied research that includes environmental-friendly repellants to reduce C. imicola populations (by preventing blood meals needed for female egg laying) and protect livestock from these deleterious pests and the viruses they transmit.