Traditional Mosquito Repellent Practices in North-East India: A Study Based on a Comprehensive Survey

Abstract

Background: Northeast India, characterized by dense forests, humid climate, and abundant water bodies, offers a favourable breeding place for mosquitoes, challenging the health and resilience of communities due to the prevalence of endemic mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, and Japanese encephalitis, which disproportionately affect the rural and tribal populations in local areas. Method: A survey on traditional mosquito repellent practices was conducted in 2024 across 50 districts of Northeast India to document the various mosquito repellent practices of the tribes and communities. Result: The findings highlight the region's vulnerability to mosquito-borne diseases, including Malaria (44%), Dengue (30%), Chikungunya (13%) and Japanese Encephalitis (11%) which is mainly driven by its humid subtropical and tropical climates supporting mosquito breeding. The study documented the dependence on indigenous repellent methods, including burning egg trays (32.2%), using "Dhuna" (30.4%), essential oils and organic materials (24%), and neem leaves with camphor (13.4%). The effectiveness of these methods was widely affirmed by the community populations with 57.9% of respondents declaring their consent to the efficacy and 14.6% expressing a deep belief in these traditional practices. Conclusion: The broad adoption of the traditional mosquito repellent practices in Northeast India underscores their potential as effective substitutes for synthetic repellents, which often pose environmental and health risks. By adopting the cultural knowledge, the survey aims to leverage sustainable community-driven solutions for endemic mosquito-borne diseases that align with the region’s ecological and cultural context, reducing reliance on synthetic repellents and proposing natural formulations for insect repellents based on traditional practices.