Beautyberry Natural Repellent

Scientists at the Agriculture Research Service (ARS) have confirmed that the beautyberry acts as a natural repellent against such bugs as ticks, ants, and mosquitoes. The beautyberry has long been a home remedy used to deter biting pests in such places as the hill country of Mississippi. Now, with this scientific finding, it’s hoped that the berry’s mosquito repelling qualities can be transformed into a mass-produced bug deterrent. Don’t get too excited yet though, this is still millions of dollars off. An economical production system will have to be established.

Scientific studies showed three chemicals responsible for repelling mosquitoes. Spathulenol, callicarpenal, and intermedeol were all extracted during the testing. By chance, one of the botanists at ARS learned about using beautyberry as a bug repellent when he was a child. The grandfather of Charles T. Bryson showed him how leaves from the beautyberry could be used to repel such insects as deerflies, mosquitoes, and horseflies. Crushing leaves of the beautyberry and placing them between the harness of a horse, and it’s skin, would protect the horse from flying pests. Crushing the leaves and rubbing them on his own skin had the same effect. Bugs were less likely to bite. Years later, a mention of this home remedy to a supervisor at ARS led to the scientific evaluation.

Involved in the repellent study, Charles Cantrell, a chemist at ARS confirmed that rubbing the leaves on his skin helped to prevent getting bit. Taking this home remedy repellent technique one step further, Cantrell and Jerry Klun, an entomologist at ARS, worked on the year long study. It was found mosquitoes carrying malaria and yellow fever could be deterred using the beautyberry plant.

While the results of this preliminary study are promising, more tests on the beautyberry will have to be conducted. A mass-produced insect repellent would be subject to EPA guidelines, and need to be cost-effective to produce. Until the beautyberry tests are finalized, repellents such as the Sunfeather spritzer, or Avon bug spray serve as natural, non-deet repellents.