Could the different types of pinene be used as a form of natural insect repellent? If so, how effective would they be in comparison to synthetic repellents?

Pinene as a Natural Insect Repellent

Pinenes are a group of naturally-occurring compounds found in many plants, especially coniferous trees. They are part of the terpenes family and are responsible for the distinctive smell we associate with pine and other conifers. The two most common types of pinene are alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. Research has found that these compounds can act as a natural insect repellent.

Effectiveness compared to synthetic repellents

Although pinene can be effective as a natural insect repellent, its ability to repel insects may not be as strong as synthetic insect repellents. A study by Nerio, Olivero-Verbel, & Stashenko (2010) found that essential oils high in pinene were effective at repelling certain insects, but their effect was not as strong as DEET, a common ingredient in synthetic insect repellents. Nonetheless, the advantage of pinene-based repellents is that they are natural and do not contain potentially harmful synthetic chemicals.

Application and other uses

Pinene can be found in many products, including natural insect repellents, due to its pleasant scent and insect-repelling properties. It is also used in perfumes, cleaning products, and candles. Furthermore, research is being conducted into other potential uses of pinene, such as its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, further enhancing its appeal as a natural alternative to synthetic chemicals.