Repellency effect of neem oil (Azadirachta indica Juss) against paederus beetles, the agent of linear dermatitis, (Col: Staphylinidae)

The family of staphylinidae (rove beetles) includes 40000 species and has a world-wide distribution. Many species of Paederus have been known for a long time as the causative agent of linear dermatitis. Paederus beetles are attracted to artificial lights in the evening during the hot and humid summer nights. Whenever they are crashed or smeared on the skin they release their toxin called Pederin from their haemolymph. So far, various recommendation have been made to control paederus, but most of them were inefficient. The aim of this study was to investigate the repellency effect of the neem oil (Azadirachta indica Juss), as a personal protection method against paederus beetles. Neem oil was used in three different dosages (2.5, 5, 10 percent) on treated paper inside the ptri dishes. The results showed that protection percentage produced by Neem oil at 2.5, 5 and 10 percent dose was 46.2, 69.3, 84.62 percente respectivly.