AU2008238611B2

AU2008238611B2 - Organic pest repellent

Info

Publication number: AU2008238611B2
Application number: AU2008238611A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter James Young
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-04-12
Filing date: 2008-04-14
Publication date: 2013-02-07
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-14
Also published as: WO2008124882A1; NZ581036A; AU2008238611A1

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions comprising essential oils which are effective for repelling and/or at least partly eradicating a variety of insects. Compositions comprising eucalyptus oil, neem oil, citronella oil and one or more of lavender oil, tea tree oil and pyrethrum are provided. The compositions are particularly effective in repelling and/or at least partly eradicating a variety of insects and in treating certain ailments in an animal.

Description

WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 1 TITLE ORGANIC PEST REPELLENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of pest repellents and 5 insecticides. More particularly, this invention relates to an organic bioactive composition with pest repellent/insecticidal and pharmaceutical properties. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Insects can be a major source of irritation to people involved in outdoor activities such as barbeques, sports, walking and the like. As the 10 population spreads further into areas which were previously bushland or forested, this problem can only get worse. Apart from the irritation of constantly having to swat pests such as flies away, there is also the concern of getting bitten by insects such as ants, mosquitoes and sandflies. These bites can be inflamed and painful and 15 some people have an allergic reaction to them which can be life threatening. Some of these insects, particularly mosquitoes, are known to be carriers of diseases which can be transmitted to humans when bitten. In Australia, dengue fever, encephalitis, yellow fever and Ross Rivervirus have all been shown to be carried by mosquitoes. 20 The best form of protection is clearly to avoid being bitten. To this end, and to keep flies and other pests away, insect repellents are most useful. These can be applied to the skin and/or clothing in a number of ways such as aerosol sprays, pump sprays, topical creams and gels.

WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 2 The most common active ingredient of insect repellents in use today is DEET (NN-diethyl-m-toluamide). It is a broad-spectrum repellent that is effective against mosquitoes, flies, fleas, mites and ticks. Some people experience irritation and dermatitis or an allergic reaction to DEET-containing 5 products and DEET is toxic and potentially fatal if swallowed. It can also cause permanent eye damage and high doses or long-term exposure have been associated with neurological damage. DEET is known to damage some plastics and synthetic fabrics, such as nylon and acetate, and so clothing or camping equipment can be destroyed. 10 Further, these commercial repellents are typically only effective at repelling insects for up to 4 hours. Only those which have DEET concentrations of 80-100% are effective for longer periods of time. Using DEET concentrations this high is not recommended for the reasons outlined above and, indeed, some countries such as Canada have banned the sale of 15 products with more than 30% DEET. Further, these commercial repellents do not typically provide any relief from bites which may have been sustained prior to application of the repellent. They are often very specific in their activity in that they only repel e.g. mosquitoes and other flying insects and are ineffective or at least less 20 effective against other insects such as ants, cockroaches etc. Due to the health concerns of DEET there has been increased interest in "organic" or natural pest repellents. Some essential oils have been shown to be effective in varying degrees at repelling a variety of insects.

WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 3 Clove oil, catnip oil and evening primrose oil, for example, have been shown to repel mosquitoes. Unfortunately, testing has shown that these and other combinations of essential oils tend to either not be as effective as DEET or only effectively 5 repel insects for a short period of time and so need to be reapplied frequently. Further, they are often limited in the range of insects they are effective against and are generally not known as useful for soothing existing bites or having any other pharmaceutical benefits for animals to which they are applied. 10 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The inventors have identified a need for a cost effective bioactive composition comprising essential oils which has efficacy in repelling and/or at least partly eradicating a variety of insects and has pharmaceutical properties for the treatment of ailments in an animal, is relatively long lasting 15 in its effects and does not have the potential health concerns of DEET and other repellents and/or insecticides containing inorganic or synthetic active ingredients. The present invention allows for the selection of a number of essential oils to be combined in certain percentage ratios. This results in a composition 20 which is particularly efficacious in repelling and/or at least partly eradicating a variety of insects and gives up to 6 hours of repellent protection without the need for further applications. The composition has also been shown to have beneficial pharmaceutical properties in treating a variety of ailments.

WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 4 In one form, which is not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention provides for a bioactive composition comprising essential oils. In another broad form, the bioactive composition has insect repellent/insecticidal and/or pharmaceutical properties. 5 In a first aspect, the invention resides in a composition comprising eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil as the major active ingredients along with an excipient or carrier. Preferably, eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil comprise at least 30% of the composition. More preferably, eucalyptus oil, neem oil and 10 citronella oil comprise at least 45% of the composition. Even more preferably, eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil comprise at least 52% of the composition. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the first aspect the composition may also include lavender oil and/or tea tree oil. 15 In another particularly preferred embodiment of the first aspect the composition may also include lavender oil and/or pyrethrum. In yet another particularly preferred embodiment of the first aspect the composition is: 15% Eucalyptus oil 20 22.5% Neem oil 15% Citronella oil 7.5% Tea Tree oil 15% Lavender oil 25% isocol. 25 In still yet another particularly preferred embodiment of the first aspect the WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 5 composition is: 15% Eucalyptus oil 22.5% Neem oil 15% Citronella oil 5 7.5% pyrethrum 15% Lavender oil 25% isocol. A second aspect of the invention resides in a method of formulating the composition of the first aspect including the step of combining eucalyptus 10 oil, neem oil, citronella oil and an excipient or carrier to thereby form said composition. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the second aspect the composition is formulated by further combining lavender oil and/or tea tree oil. 15 In another particularly preferred embodiment of the second aspect the composition is formulated by further combining lavender oil and/or pyrethrum. A third aspect of the invention resides in a method of repelling and/or at least partly eradicating insects from a target area including the step of 20 administering an effective amount of the composition of the first aspect to the target area. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the third aspect the composition may also include lavender oil and/or tea tree oil. In another particularly preferred embodiment of the third aspect the 25 composition may also include lavender oil and/or pyrethrum.

WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 6 A fourth aspect of the invention resides in a method of treating an ailment in an animal including the step of administering an effective amount of the composition of the first aspect to an animal in need of such treatment. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect the 5 composition may also include lavender oil and/or tea tree oil. In another particularly preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect the composition may also include lavender oil and/or pyrethrum. An animal can be selected from the group consisting of humans, domestic livestock, laboratory animals, performance animals, companion 10 animals, poultry and other animals of commercial importance, although without limitation thereto. Preferably, the animal is a mammal. More preferably, the animal is a human. Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to 15 imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a bioactive composition comprising essential oils. In another broad form, the composition has insect 20 repellent/insecticidal and/or pharmaceutical properties. In one aspect, the composition of the present invention resides in a composition comprising eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil as the major active ingredients along with an excipient or carrier. Preferably, WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 7 eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil comprise at least 30% by volume of the composition. More preferably, eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil comprise at least 45% by volume of the composition. Even more preferably, eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil comprise at least 52% by volume of 5 the composition. It will be understood that this means eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil can comprise 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 52 % or more of the present composition. Preferably, the essential oils are present in the composition in the 10 respective percentage by volume ranges of eucalyptus oil 5% to 35%, neem oil 10% to 40%, citronella oil 5% to 30% and excipient or carrier 15% to 60%. More preferably, the essential oils are present in the composition in the respective percentage by weight values of eucalyptus oil 15%, neem oil 22.5%, citronella oil 15% and excipient or carrier 25%. The remaining 22.5% 15 may be made from a variety of ingredients which will be described hereinafter. If the composition only comprises eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil then the relative percentages of each, as well as the excipient or carrier, may be scaled up to be 100% total (i.e. eucalyptus oil about 19%, neem oil about 29%, citronella oil about 19% and excipient or carrier about 20 33%). In one particular embodiment of the first aspect the composition of the present invention comprises eucalyptus oil, neem oil, citronella oil, tea tree oil and lavender along with a suitable excipient or carrier. Preferably, the WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 8 essential oils are present in the composition in the respective percentage by weight ranges of eucalyptus oil 5% to 35%, neem oil 10% to 40%, citronella oil 5% to 30%, tea tree oil 3% to 15%, lavender oil 5% to 30%, and excipient or carrier 15% to 60%. More preferably, the essential oils are present in the 5 composition in the respective percentage by weight values of eucalyptus oil 15%, neem oil 22.5%, citronella oil 15%, tea tree oil 7.5%, lavender oil 15%, and excipient or carrier 25%. In another particular embodiment of the first aspect the composition of the present invention comprises eucalyptus oil, neem oil, citronella oil, 10 pyrethrum and lavender along with a suitable excipient or carrier. Preferably, the essential oils are present in the composition in the respective percentage by weight ranges of eucalyptus oil 5% to 35%, neem oil 10% to 40%, citronella oil 5% to 30%, pyrethrum 3% to 15%, lavender oil 5% to 30%, and excipient or carrier 15% to 60%. More preferably, the essential oils are 15 present in the composition in the respective percentage by weight values of eucalyptus oil 15%, neem oil 22.5%, citronella oil 15%, pyrethrum 7.5%, lavender oil 15%, and excipient or carrier 25%. While it will be appreciated that other component oils and additives may be present in the bioactive composition, in one particular form of the first 20 aspect, the active component of the composition may consist essentially of eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil or may consist of eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil. The composition may further comprise an odour masking agent such WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 9 as lavender oil, peppermint oil, lemon balm, lemon grass oil, fennel oil, parsley seed oil, menthol, fruit extract oils and vanilla extract. Preferably, the odour masking agent is lavender oil. By "consist essentially of' is meant that at least 95% of the active 5 component of the composition is made up of the stated essential oils. In another particular embodiment of the first aspect the active component of the composition may consist essentially of eucalyptus oil, neem oil, citronella oil and tea tree oil or may consist of eucalyptus oil, neem oil, citronella oil and tea tree oil. 10 The composition may further comprise an odour masking agent such as lavender oil, peppermint oil, lemon balm, lemon grass oil, fennel oil, parsley seed oil, menthol, fruit extract oils and vanilla extract. Preferably, the odour masking agent is lavender oil. In general embodiments of the first aspect that contemplate use as an 15 insect barrier spray the active component of the composition may consist essentially of eucalyptus oil, neem oil, citronella oil and pyrethrum or may consist of eucalyptus oil, neem oil, citronella oil and pyrethrum. The composition may further comprise an odour masking agent such as lavender oil, peppermint oil, lemon balm, lemon grass oil, fennel oil, 20 parsley seed oil, menthol, fruit extract oils and vanilla extract. Preferably, the odour masking agent is lavender oil. The term "excipient or carrier" as used herein refers to a solid or liquid filler, diluent or encapsulating substance that may be safely used for WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 10 administration to an animal along with an insect repellent and/or insecticidal composition. Depending on the particular route of application chosen, a variety of carriers well known in the art may be used. These excipients or carriers may be selected from the group consisting of isocol or other alcohols 5 water, vegetable and mineral oils, emulsifiers, propellants, gels, creams and the like so as to modify the compositions properties to make it more appropriate for current use. Preferably, the excipient or carrier is isocol or another alcohol, water and/or a suitable emulsifier. 10 More preferably, the excipient or carrier is isocol. Isocol is a commercially available formulation which is substantially comprised of isopropyl alcohol (otherwise known as rubbing alcohol). By way of example only, an isopropyl alcohol based carrier such as isocol comprises 70%-90% isopropyl alcohol with the remaining portion being water. 15 Additionally, an emulsifier may be employed to prevent the components of the compositions of the present invention from settling out when not in use. Organic emulsifiers such as certain sulfates, sulfonates, alkoxylates, polysorbates, stearic acid, stearates, oleates, polyglycols and other emulsifiers such as are well known in the art may be suitable. 20 If water is used as the carrier then an emulsifier may be particularly desirable as the oils will have a tendency to quickly settle out and so the formulation will require repeated shaking before use. Advantageously, when isocol is employed as the carrier then the essential oils do not settle out so WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 11 readily and agitation of the formulation does not need to be carried out nearly so frequently. In this case an emulsifier may not be necessary. A second aspect of the invention resides in a method of formulating the composition of the first aspect including the step of combining eucalyptus 5 oil, neem oil, citronella oil and an excipient or carrier to thereby form said composition. In one particular embodiment of the second aspect the composition is formulated by further combining tea tree oil and/or pyrethrum. The neem oil has an odour which may be unpleasant to some people 10 and, therefore, an odour masking agent may be included in the composition to provide a pleasant smelling formulation. Non-limiting examples of suitable agents are described above. It will be appreciated that the odour masking agent is not essential for the activity of the present compositions but provides for a more appropriate end product in that people may not want to apply a 15 formulation to their skin or nearby environment which they consider has an unpleasant odour. Preferably, further additives such as an odour masking agent will be selected from the group consisting of lavender oil, peppermint oil, lemon balm, lemon grass oil, fennel oil, parsley seed oil, menthol, fruit extract oils 20 and vanilla extract other odour masking additives which are well known in the art. More preferably, the odour masking agent is lavender oil. It is an advantage of the present bioactive organic compositions that WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 12 they have a more pleasant smell than conventional insect repellent formulations such as those containing DEET. Further, the component essential oils of the compositions of the present invention may be safely stored, handled and mixed. No specialised equipment is required when 5 formulating the compositions such as protective clothing or breathing equipment. The terms "repel, repelling and repellent" as used herein refer to the artificial environment created whereby susceptible insects are caused to spend less time (including no time) in or on the target area than would 10 otherwise have been the case if the repellent composition had not been in use. The terms "eradicating, insecticide and insecticidal" as used herein refer to the compositions of the present invention resulting in the death of one or more susceptible insects which have been contacted with said 15 compositions. The term "target area" as used herein may refer to an area on or around people, domestic animals, clothing, camping equipment, picnic blankets, tents, footwear, decks, patios, commercial buildings and the like. The term may also include the insect(s) themselves and their nearby 20 environment. The terms "pharmaceutical" or "pharmaceutical properties" as used herein refer to the compositions of the present invention having medicinal and/or therapeutic properties and being used to alleviate the symptoms or WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 13 treat the underlying cause or causes of an ailment in an animal. The term "ailment" as used herein refers to a number of diseases or conditions including but not limited to an insect bite and/or sting, a wound, sunburn, hives, rashes, allergic reactions and other symptoms of sensitive 5 skin and ectoparasites. The term "bioactive" as used herein refers to the compositions of the present invention having one or more forms of activity/efficacy against a range of organisms such as insects (for example repellent and/or insecticidal activity) and also efficacy in the treatment of one or more ailments of an 10 animal. A third aspect of the invention resides in a method of repelling and/or at least partly eradicating insects from a target area including the step of administering an effective amount of the composition of the first aspect to the target area. 15 In one particular embodiment of the third aspect the composition may also include lavender oil and/or tea tree oil and/or pyrethrum. Typically, the repellent and/or insecticidal composition is applied directly to the insect or to its nearby environment or to the skin, fur or clothing of an animal. An animal can be selected from the group consisting of 20 humans, domestic livestock, laboratory animals, performance animals, companion animals, poultry and other animals of commercial importance, although without limitation thereto. Preferably, the animal is a mammal. More preferably, the animal is a human.

WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 14 The repellent and/or insecticidal composition may be applied to the target area by a number of methods such as a topical cream or gel, a pump spray, an aerosol, a roll on stick or as part of a coil or candle to be burned. The liquid formulations of the present invention may also be dispersed by the 5 use of a plug-in release device or employed in baths, particularly for domestic animals. Preferably, the repellent and/or insecticidal composition is applied to the target area by use of a pump spray. It is an advantage of the present invention that the repellent and/or insecticidal compositions may be safely and usefully included in existing 10 preparations such as sun screen formulations, shampoos, body washing/cleansing products, tissues or antibacterial wipes. The nature of the application and any combination with an existing preparation will determine the excipient or carrier used and such excipients or carriers would be known to the skilled addressee. For many liquid 15 formulations isocol is particularly suitable. The method of applying the repellent and/or insecticide will depend on the insect the person wishes to repel or at least partly eradicate. To repel large numbers of insects such as mosquitoes, it is preferable to apply the composition directly to the user or their clothing as described. If the insect is 20 present in small numbers, such as a spider or cockroach, then the composition will be sprayed directly onto the insect or onto their surrounding environment. In one particular embodiment, the compositions of the present WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 15 invention are suitable for use as a pesticide and/or insecticide. That is, they are capable of being used to kill one or more susceptible insects from a population. In another particular embodiment, the compositions of the present 5 invention are suitable for use as an insect repellent. That is, they are suitable for application to a target area to deter susceptible insects from spending time in or on said target area. The compositions of the present invention are suitable for repelling and/or at least partly eradicating a number of insects which include, but are 10 not limited to mosquitoes, ants, beetles, cockroaches, spiders, earwigs, silverfish, flies, sandflies, fleas, march flies, lice, gnats, mites and the like. The compositions of the present invention are also suitable for use as a barrier spray. This means the target area, such as floors or around food cupboards, is sprayed with the composition and insects coming into contact 15 with the treated area are repelled from it and/or ingest an effective amount of the composition and are killed. A number of formulations may be envisaged for treating different insects and/or target areas comprising the same active ingredients but in varying amounts or with different additives such as scents. For example, a 20 composition may be formulated which is particularly suitable for repelling mosquitoes, sandflies and flies. A second composition may be formulated which is particularly suitable for repelling and/or at least partly eradicating ants, spiders, cockroaches and silverfish. A third composition may be WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 16 formulated which is particularly suitable for repelling and/or at least partly eradicating lice, ticks and mites which cause diseases such as mange on dogs, cats and other domestic animals. Clearly these varying formulations may also be designed to be applied in different ways to allow them to be 5 more efficient at repelling and/or at least partly eradicating the particular insect(s). For example, in one preferred embodiment, a composition comprising eucalyptus oil 15%, neem oil 22.5%, citronella oil 15%, tea tree oil 7.5%, lavender oil 15%, and isocol 25% (formula 1 in the examples) is used as an 10 insect repellent composition. In this composition the tea tree oil is particularly useful in creating an antiseptic environment on any existing wounds or bites. In another preferred embodiment a composition comprising eucalyptus oil 15%, neem oil 22.5%, citronella oil 15%, pyrethrum 7.5%, lavender oil 15%, and isocol 25% (formula 2 in the examples) is used as a 15 barrier spray. In this particular composition, additives such as the tea tree oil are not essential as the composition will simply be applied to objects such as cupboards and floors. While not essential it has been found that the presence of pyrethrum in this composition is beneficial for extending the lifetime of the barrier effect. Activity has been demonstrated for up to 3 20 months before re-application was necessary. It will be appreciated that, since both of these compositions have excellent insect repellent/insecticide activity then there may well be overlap in the applications which they are put to. For example, both would be suitable WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 17 for application to clothing or camping equipment. It is particularly advantageous that formula 1 and 2 can provide protection against a variety of insects, such as mosquitoes and the like, for a period of up to 6 hours. Other formulations in the prior art consisting of 5 essential oils and natural products do not have such a long period of insect repellent activity and so the user will often become prone to bites after only 1-2 hours unless the formulation is frequently re-applied. This is extremely inconvenient when camping or living for an extended period of time in a mosquito populated area and means the person is more likely to be bitten. 10 Surprisingly, the particular combination of eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil in the present compositions appear to have a synergistic effect in their insect repellent/insecticide activity. The efficacy demonstrated herein has not been achieved by any prior art formulations of essential oils and could not have been predicted from the individual activity of each component 15 oil. It has also been demonstrated that when a person accidentally stood on a nest of green ants the ants quickly crawled up the boots and socks of the person but stopped or would drop off when they reached the persons skin to which the present composition (formula 1 and/or 2) had been applied. 20 It is a further advantage of the present compositions that they can be used by fishermen without deterring the fish from the area around the person. Many commercial insect repellents have been found to have deterrent properties to fish. The fisherman must therefore decide to go WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 18 without any insect repellent on their legs (which will subsequently be submersed in the water) which can result in bites when they are on land in between catches. The present compositions avoid this drawback and so can be applied to the skin immediately in between catches. 5 A fourth aspect of the invention resides in a method of treating an ailment in an animal including the step of administering an effective amount of the composition of the first aspect to an animal in need of such treatment. In one particular embodiment of the fourth aspect the composition may also include lavender oil and/or tea tree oil. 10 Typically, the pharmaceutical composition is applied directly to the skin, hair or fur of an animal. An animal can be selected from the group consisting of humans, domestic livestock, laboratory animals, performance animals, companion animals, poultry and other animals of commercial importance, although without limitation thereto. Preferably, the animal is a 15 mammal. More preferably, the animal is a human. The compositions of the further aspect have considerable overlap with those of the third aspect. That is, essentially the same formulations have shown pharmaceutical benefits in treating a variety of ailments. Accordingly, the compositions of the fourth aspect may be applied in a similar manner to 20 those of the third aspect e.g. a topical cream or gel, a pump spray, an aerosol, a roll on stick or a shampoo. Preferably, the repellent and/or insecticidal composition is applied to the target area by use of a pump spray.

WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 19 It is an advantage of the present invention that the pharmaceutical compositions used to treat an ailment may be safely and usefully included in existing preparations such as sun screen formulations, shampoos, body washing/cleansing products, tissues or antibacterial wipes. 5 In one particular embodiment the compositions of the present invention are suitable for use in treating an ailment in an animal. The kinds of ailment which may treated include but are not limited to a number of diseases or conditions such as an insect bite and/or sting, a wound, sunburn, hives, rashes, allergic reactions and other symptoms of sensitive skin and 10 ectoparasites. A number of formulations may be envisaged for treating different ailments and/or different animals comprising the same active ingredients but in varying amounts or with different additives. For example, a composition may be formulated which is particularly suitable for treating cuts. A second 15 composition may be formulated which is particularly suitable for treating insect bites or stings. In one preferred embodiment, a composition comprising eucalyptus oil 15%, neem oil 22.5%, citronella oil 15%, tea tree oil 7.5%, lavender oil 15%, and excipient or carrier 25% (formula 1 in the examples) is used to treat an 20 ailment in an animal in need of such treatment. Such a composition is particularly suitable for treating particular ailments requiring an antiseptic component due to the presence of the tea tree oil. In another preferred embodiment a composition comprising WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 20 eucalyptus oil 15%, neem oil 22.5%, citronella oil 15%, pyrethrum 7.5%, lavender oil 15%, and excipient or carrier 25% (formula 2 in the examples) is used to treat an ailment in an animal in need of such treatment. This composition may be employed for a variety of ailments which do not 5 necessarily require an antiseptic component. The isocol which is employed as the carrier in formulae 1 and 2 has inherent antiseptic properties and this may provide enough of an antiseptic environment even when the tea tree oil is not present. These compositions have been demonstrated to be effective against a 10 wide variety of ailments, some of which will now be described. The compositions have been applied to the skin of a human over existing insect bites and stings such as those received from mosquitoes and wasps. The pain, swelling and irritation experienced by the person due to the bite or sting were relieved almost instantly. The compositions of the present invention 15 can, therefore, be seen to have general analgesic, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-histamine properties. Formula 1 (described in the examples) was applied to a variety of cuts and abrasions such as oyster shell cuts. The pain due to the wound was substantially decreased within a very short period of time (minutes or less). 20 The composition also appeared to result in rapid healing of the wound. It is unclear presently as to whether this is due solely to the composition keeping the wound clean and preventing infection, thereby promoting healing, or if there is an effect whereby one or more of the active ingredients actually WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 21 actively promotes the wound healing process. The present compositions have been found to be very effective in relieving the pain and skin irritation associated with sunburn on adults and children. They have also been applied to both adults and children who suffer 5 from skin allergies and hives. The composition produced a very rapid reduction in the swelling, pain and irritation felt by the patient. It has further been found that children and adults who suffer from sensitive skin with a high incidence of allergic reactions can tolerate the present compositions without any adverse side effects. This is highly 10 beneficial as these individuals are often not able to use many insect repellents/insecticides or topical pharmaceutical treatments due to their sensitive skin. These individuals, not being able to use commercial insect repellents, would often have to carefully monitor their behaviour so as not to be exposed to insect bites etc which could result in a severe reaction or even 15 anaphylactic shock. Application of the compositions of the present invention allow them to travel more freely with confidence that they are protected from insect bites. The present compositions have also been applied to the hair of children who were infested with lice. The composition was massaged onto 20 the children's scalps and when their hair was washed and combed all of the eggs and lice had been eradicated. The present compositions are not limited to their use in treating ailments on humans. They do show the same properties in relieving the pain, WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 22 swelling and irritation from bites, stings and cuts on domestic animals. Further, formula 1 was massaged into the fur and skin of a dog exhibiting what is known as "Queensland rash". This is a particularly difficult condition to treat in cats and dogs and causes irritation such that the animal 5 scratches the affected area which quickly becomes red raw and heated causing the animal further stress. Hair loss around the affected area is also seen. After one week of massaging formula 1 onto the affected area every second day and spraying the animals bedding with the same composition the animal had stopped scratching the area which quickly healed, including hair 10 regrowth. The compositions of the present invention have also been demonstrated to treat what veterinarians refer to as "hot-spot" in dogs which is essentially a superficial skin wound which develops and spreads quickly in long coated dogs. Three times daily application of the composition for three 15 days completely alleviated the condition. This can provide a considerable saving for the owner in vet fees, steroid creams, antibiotics etc. The compositions of the present invention are also relatively low cost since the active component is made up of a number of essential oils which can be readily obtained in large quantities. When isocol or water are 20 employed as the carrier this further aids in minimising the formulation costs. The consumer is thereby presented with an efficacious, safe, pleasant smelling and cost effective repellent and/or insecticidal composition. So that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 23 effect, reference is made to the following non-limiting examples. EXAMPLES Compositions The various components of the two insect repellent formulations 5 below may be mixed together in any order as desired. Two of the compositions of the present invention which have demonstrated efficacy as an insect repellent and/or insecticide are set out below. Formula 1. 15% Eucalyptus oil 10 22.5% Neem oil 15% Citronella oil 7.5% Tea Tree oil 15% Lavender oil 25% isocol 15 Formula 2. 15% Eucalyptus oil 22.5% Neem oil 15% Citronella oil 7.5% pyrethrum 20 15% Lavender oil 25% isocol Application methods 25 The compositions of the present invention may be formulated with a number of different excipients or carriers, instead of or as well as isopropyl alcohol (isocol) and/or distilled water, depending on the delivery method WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 24 chosen. A number of such application methods are listed below. 1. A cream to be applied topically. 2. A gel to be applied topically 3. A pump spray. 5 4. An aerosol. 5. As a component of a coil to be burned thereby releasing the active ingredients into the surrounding area. 6. As a component of a sunscreen formulation. 7. Impregnated into tissues for use as a wipe. 10 8. A roll on stick 9. A candle containing the active ingredients which are released as the candle burns. 10. A plug in release device. 11. A liquid formulation for use in baths, particularly for domestic 15 animals. Activity Testinq Formula 1 when applied to a target area was shown to repel a number of susceptible insects such as mosquitoes from the target area for a period 20 of up to 6 hours. Both formulations were also shown to have a strong effect on spiders and cockroaches. When cockroaches were sprayed once with the formulation they started to behave in an erratic manner and after two sprays WO 2008/124882 PCT/AU2008/000525 25 they would die, after a relatively short time period. Both formulations were also applied to a target area and cockroaches then allowed to come into contact with this area. The next morning it was observed that a number of the cockroaches were dead. It has been found 5 that formulation 2 remains active as a barrier spray for up to 3 months in that it deters or at least partly eradicates insects such as cockroaches which come into contact with it. Formulation 1 has the same effect but for a shorter time period. Various other successful applications have already been described 10 above and will not be repeated here. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail herein, and that a variety of other embodiments may be contemplated which are, nevertheless, consistent with the broad spirit and scope of the invention. 15

Claims

1. A composition comprising eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella as the major active components along with an excipient or carrier and wherein eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella comprise at least 45% of the composition.

2. The composition of claim 1 wherein eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella comprise at least 52% of the composition.

3. The composition of claim I or claim 2 comprising from 5% to 30% by volume eucalyptus oil.

4. The composition of any one of the preceding claims comprising from 10% to 20% by volume eucalyptus oil.

5. The composition of any one of the preceding claims comprising about 15% by volume eucalyptus oil.

6. The composition of any one of the preceding claims comprising from 10% to 40% by volume neem oil.

7. The composition of any one of the preceding claims comprising from 15% to 30% by volume neem oil.

8. The composition of any one of the preceding claims comprising from 5% to 30% by volume citronella oil.

9. The composition of any one of the preceding claims comprising from 10% to 20% by volume citronella oil.

10. The composition of any one of the preceding claims further comprising tea tree oil.

11. The composition of claim 10 comprising from 3% to 15% by volume 27 AMENDED tea tree oil.

12. The composition of any one of the preceding claims further comprising an odour masking agent selected from the group consisting of lavender oil, peppermint oil, lemon balm, lemon grass oil, fennel oil, parsley seed oil, menthol, fruit extract oils and vanilla extract.

13. The composition of claim 12 comprising from 10% to 30% by volume lavender oil.

14. The composition of any of the preceding claims wherein the excipient or carrier is substantially isopropyl alcohol.

15. The composition of any of the preceding claims comprising eucalyptus oil - 15% neem oil - 22.5% citronella oil - 15% tea tree oil - 7.5% lavender oil - 15% isocol - 25%.

16. The composition of any of the preceding claims comprising eucalyptus oil - 15% neem oil - 22.5% citronella oil - 15% pyrethrum - 7.5% lavender oil - 15% isocol - 25%. 28 AMENDED

17. A method of repelling and/or at least partly eradicating insects from a target area including the step of administering an effective amount of the composition of any one of claims 1- 16 to the target area to thereby repel and/or at least partly eradicate the insects from the target area.

18. A method of treating an ailment in an animal including the step of administering an effective amount of the composition of any one of claims 1-16 to an animal in need of such treatment.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the ailment includes an insect bite and/or sting, a wound, sunburn, hives, rashes, allergic reactions and other symptoms of sensitive skin and ectoparasites.

20. A method of formulating the composition of any one of claims 1-16 including the step of combining eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella oil along with an excipient or carrier such that the eucalyptus oil, neem oil and citronella combined comprise at least 45% of the composition.