Abstract: Potentiated insect repellent compositions comprising a combination of Deet and certain bicyclic lactones having insect repellent properties are disclosed. The lactones comprise compounds of the formula: ##STR1## or the corresponding unsaturated compounds thereof having the formula: ##STR2## wherein R, R', R" and R"' each are lower alkyl or hydrogen; wherein y is an integer from 1-3, and x and z each are 0 or 1, with the proviso that y is 1 or 2 when x is 1. Preferably, R, R', R" and R"' each are hydrogen or methyl. Such compositions preferably further include a carrier. A method of using such a potentiated composition to repel an insect from a situs comprises applying to such situs an effective amount of the composition, with or without the carrier.

Abstract: Compositions containing certain bicyclic lactones and having insect repellent properties are disclosed. Such compositions comprise a compound of the formula: ##STR1## or the corresponding unsaturated compound thereof having the formula: ##STR2## wherein R, R', R" and R'" each are lower alkyl or hydrogen; wherein y is an integer from 1-3, and x and z each are 0 or 1, with the proviso that y is 1 or 2 when x is 1; and a carrier. A method of using such a repellent composition to repel an insect from a situs comprises applying to such situs an effective amount of the composition, with or without the carrier, and thereby repelling the insect from the situs.

Abstract: Substituted benzimidazole-1-carboxylic acid esters, such as 2-trifluoromethyl-4,5,6-trichloro-1-benzimidazole carboxylic acid methyl ester, are useful as herbicides and insecticides.