Some corrections to the record on insect repellents and attractants

Abstract

Fifteen apparent errors of observation, reporting, interpretation, or attribution occurring in the insect repellent and attractant literature were examined. Topics discussed are the boiling point effect, solvents and solutions, repellent-treated netting, terpineol and diphenyl oxide, lactic acid, the smell and feel of deet (diethylmethylbenzamide), effective half-life, protection time, protection time of deet for men and women, McGuire's formula, "plussing out", King's classification, exorbitant doses, extrapolated doses, and extreme observations. The decay constant (1.36 hr-1) and half-life (0.51 hr) of a mosquito-repellent bath oil (Skin-So-Soft) are reported for the first time.