Abstract: Two derivatives of nootkatone, tetrahydronootkatone and 1,10-dihydronootkatone, are surprisingly effective as repellents of termites and mosquitos. Tetrahydronootkatone and 1,10-dihydronootkatone were shown to effectively repel termites at concentrations as low as 2 ?g/ml and 12.5 ?g/ml, respectively. Tetrahydronootkatone was shown to repel mosquitos at a concentration of 5%. Tetrahydronootkatone is an effective repellent of termites either by itself or as an addition to other substrates, including mulches made from wood products or other cellulose-containing material. Tetrahydronootkatone or 1,10-dihydronootkatone can be used to protect construction wood from attack by Formosan subterranean termites, either alone or used in combination with other compounds known to repel termites. It is also believed that these compounds will prove effective in repelling ants, ticks, and cockroaches. These derivatives of nootkatone are non-toxic to humans and other mammals and environmentally safe.

Abstract: Several derivatives of naphthalene, including 1?-acetonaphthone, 2?-acetpnaphthone, 1-methoxynaphthalene, and 2-methoxynaphthalene, were discovered to be effective toxicants and repellents of termites, and resulted in significant reduction in termite feeding activity. For example, 2?-acetonaphthone was found to be an effective repellent and feeding deterrent of termites. Termites exposed to concentrations as low as 8 mg/kg sand exhibited a significant reduction in tunneling and feeding activity. Moreover, some of the dead termites had symptoms indicative of a failure to molt. At concentrations ?20 ?g/cm2, 2?-acetonaphthone was a strong repellent. Interestingly, at 160-fold lower concentration (0.125 ?g/cm2), 2?-acetonaphthone stimulated termite feeding activity. As a sand barrier, 2?-acetonaphthone significantly inhibited tunneling and feeding activity in concentrations from 8.33 to 35.0 mg/kg. Molting problems were also identified in termites exposed to 2?-acetonaphthone.