Evaluation on the Use of Repellent Soap in Vector Mosquito Dense Areas

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the new type of insect repellent containing 20% diethyl toluamide and 0.5% permethrin, formulated as soap and to study the attitude and behavior of the users. Results obtained from this study showed that most of the users had applied the soap on their arms and legs, while a few of them applied it on their body, face and neck. The time of application was mostly in late afternoon after bath. The majority of them (74%) commented that this soap was quite effective and only few of them developed allergy (0.46%). It gave a protection time of 6 hours in laboratory and 5.75 hours in the field. Besides the efficiency of the repellent soap, the users were concerned about its cost and other properties, e.g. odour, texture, shape and foamy characteristic. Data obtained will be helpful to consider the promotion of using the soap for self protection from mosquito-borne diseases. Key words: Repellent soap, Mosquito, Attitude