# Natural botanical insect repellents and biocontrol

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/natural-botanical-insect-repellents-and-biocontrol
> Updated: 2026-10-11T08:08:11.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Research into natural insect repellents highlights the effectiveness of various botanical substances in pest management. Specific aromatic herbs and essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, and eucalyptus, serve as deterrents due to their high concentrations of compounds like linalool and menthol, which act as sensory irritants to insects like bed bugs.

In response to decreasing availability of chemical pesticides due to regulations such as the Labbé law in France, there is an increasing shift toward natural biocontrol methods. For example, homemade sprays using cinnamon and bay leaf can disrupt the olfactory senses of ants and mosquitoes. While authorities like INRAE and ANSES recognize these plant-based substances, experts note that these methods are primarily preventive and local, requiring a comprehensive approach to address root causes like moisture and food sources.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: Natural insect repellents and pest management strategies

Natural pest control methods, such as cinnamon and bay leaf sprays, are gaining popularity as alternatives to chemical insecticides for managing household insects like ants and mosquitoes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/natural-insect-repellents-and-pest-management-strategies

### 2026-09-26: Natural herbs and essential oils act as bed bug repellents

Natural aromatic plants like lavender, peppermint, and rosemary can act as effective, non-chemical repellents against bed bugs due to their strong essential oils.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/natural-herbs-and-essential-oils-act-as-bed-bug-repellents

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Cite as: Natural botanical insect repellents and biocontrol. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/natural-botanical-insect-repellents-and-biocontrol