WO2011161426A1

WO2011161426A1 - Composition comprising para -menthane - 3, 8 - diol for controlling mites

Info

Publication number: WO2011161426A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/000963
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Thomas Dell
Original assignee: Ian Thomas Dell
Priority date: 2010-06-24
Filing date: 2011-06-24
Publication date: 2011-12-29
Also published as: GB201010657D0

Abstract

There is described a pesticidal composition including from 70 to 85% w/w of p- menthane-3,8-diol in liquid form as active pesticidal ingredient.

Description

COMPOSITION COMPRISING PARA-MENTHANE-3,8-DIOL FOR CONTROLLING MITES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a novel pesticidal composition, to formulations thereof, methods of preparation and to uses related thereto.

More particularly the invention relates to pesticidal compositions comprising p- menthane-3,8-diol and especially to pesticidal compositions comprising high concentrations of ?-menthane-3,8-diol, e.g. from 70 to 85% w/w.

Background to the Invention

Many humans are infested with ectoparasites (parasites that live on the surface of a host), e.g. insects, such as, fleas, lice, bed bugs, etc. and arachnid parasites, such as, ticks, mites, etc. e.g. the head louse {Pediculus humanus capitis), body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus), the pubic louse (Pthirus pubis) and the scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). Head lice are a particularly common problem for humans, especially children and effective control often involves pesticides.

The control of ectoparasites, such as head lice, and their larvae and ova, in humans has traditionally been performed using conventional insecticides, such as, organochlorine, e.g. γ-hexachlorocyclohexane; organophosphates e.g. malathion; pyrethroids e.g. permethrin and phenothrin; carbamates (e.g. carbaryl). However, such organic pesticides can cause toxic responses in humans, such as nerve damage, which is considered more dangerous than the head lice infestations which they are used to treat. Organophosphate poisoning does not require ingestion - cutaneous absorption can lead to signs of poisoning. Symptoms of organophosphate poisoning may include excessive salivation, sweating, rhinorrhea, muscle twitching, weakness, tremor, incoordination, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, respiratory depression, wheezing, blurred vision and more. In addition, many organophosphate pesticides have been banned or their use has been severely restricted in many countries. Carbamates can cause adverse reactions such as sweating, vision blurring, incoordination and convulsions. Pyrethroids similarly can cause adverse reactions even on dermal exposure, such as excitory neurotoxicity, altered dopamine uptake, and dermatitis.

Furthermore, recently, other problems have also arisen as head lice have been found to have mutated and have developed resistance to several existing insecticides. Therefore, the desire to find alternative therapy has prompted many consumers to experiment and to resort to untested methods that may be dangerous

In addition, allergy due to the house dust mite is increasing. House dust mites are found in all homes and are microscopic organisms that thrive in warm and humid houses. The mites prefer to live in beds and humans inhale large quantities of dust mite allergens.

House dust mite allergy is actually a hypersensitive reaction to proteins in the excretion of dust mites. The protein attacks the respiratory passages causing hay fever and asthma. Another increasing problem is that of Cimicidae, the most common type being Cimex lectularius or bed bug, which have developed resistance to organophosphate pesticides and pyrethroid insecticides. Bed bug infestations in London are reported to have risen tenfold since 1996.

/¾jra-Menthane-3,8-diol is known to be useful as a repellent against noxious insects and other arthropods. International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2008/003113 describes a method of producing a liquid (undistilled) grade of /ww¾r-menthane-3,8-diol in high concentration. There is especially described a liquid composition comprising from 70 to 85% w/w of />-menthane-3,8-diol and from 7 to 15 %w/w of PMD-citronellal acetal for use as an insect repellent.

Previous studies in the late 1990s suggested that /?-menthane-3,8-diol may have a poisonous effect on hard bodied ticks Ixodes, although such studies do not reference the use of high concentrations of liquid ?-menthane-3,8-diol.

Summary of the Invention

We have now surprisingly found that ?-menthane-3,8-diol and compositions thereof may be poisonous to insects, and their larvae, and arachnids, such as mites, and more particularly the high concentration liquid (undistilled) composition comprising from 70 to 85% w/w of p-menthane-3,8-diol, e.g. such as described in International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2008/0031 13. The use of a high concentration liquid (undistilled) composition comprising from 70 to 85% w/w of p-menthane-3,8-diol, e.g. such as described in International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2008/003113, as an insecticide, has not been previously disclosed and its use as a toxic, i.e. pesticidal agent, even on hard bodied ticks Ixodes, is novel per se.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a pesticidal composition including from 70 to 85% w/w of p-menthane-3,8-diol in liquid (undistilled) form, e.g. such as described in International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2008/003113, as active pesticidal ingredient.

The more efficacious compositions are preferred and therefore, preferably the amount of p-menthane-3,8-diol is from 75 to 85% w/w as active pesticidal ingredient. We therefore preferably provide a pesticidal composition including from 70 to 85% w/w of p- menthane-3,8-diol as active insecticidal ingredient

According this aspect of the invention the pesticidal composition preferably comprises a composition including from 70 to 85% w/w of /?-menthane-3,8-diol as active insecticidal ingredient and from 7 to 15 %w/w of PMD-citronellal acetal.

The amount of PMD-citronellal acetal (III) may preferably be from 10 to 15% w/w, more preferably 12 to 15% w/w and especially 14 to 15% w/w. Preferably, the para-menthane-3,8-diol composition comprises ara-menthane-3,8-diol from about 74 to about 88% w/w; PMD-citronellal acetal from about 5 to about 12% w/w and isopulegole from about 7 to about 14% w/w. Using the methods disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2008/003113 the levels of impurities may be controlled. In particular the level of citronellol may be controlled and may therefore be less than 1% w/w, preferably less than 0.75% w/w, more preferably less than 0.5% w/w and most preferably citronellol is absent or at least undetectable using conventional methods known per se, for example, gas-liquid chromatography.

Therefore, according to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a composition as hereinbefore described in which the level of citronellol is less than 1 % w/w, preferably less than 0.75% w/w, more preferably less than 0.5% w/w and most preferably citronellol is absent or at least undetectable using conventional methods known per se, for example, gas-liquid chromatography.

Also, using the methods disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2008/003113 the levels of the odiferous impurities may be minimised. Therefore, according to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a composition as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of citronellol is less than 5% w/w. Alternatively, there is provided a composition as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of 1 ,8-cineol is less than 0.1 % w/w.

Alternatively, there is provided a composition as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of citronellyl acetate is less than 0.1% w/w.

Alternatively, there is provided a composition as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of linalol is less than 0.1% w/w. Alternatively, there is provided a composition as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of β-pinene is less than 0.1% w/w.

Alternatively, there is provided a composition as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of a-terpinol is less than 0.1% w/w.

Alternatively, there is provided a composition as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of d-limonene is less than 0.05% w/w.

Alternatively, there is provided a composition as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of geranial is less than 0.1% w/w.

Alternatively, there is provided a composition as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of geraniol is less than 0.1 % w/w. In an especially preferred aspect of the invention there is provided a composition as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of amounts of citronellol is less than 5% w/w, 1,8-cineol is less than 0.1% w/w, citronellyl acetate is less than 0.1% w/w, linalol is less than 0.1% w/w, β-pinene is less than 0.1% w/w, a-terpinol is less than 0.1% w/w, d- limonene is less than 0.05% w/w, geranial is less than 0.1% w/w and geraniol is less than 0.1% w/w.

Thus, the composition of the invention may include, for example, a fragrance compound or a perfume composition. The fragrance compound or perfume composition may comprise one or more essential oils and/or active ingredients of essential oils. An essential oil includes any type of volatile oil that is obtained from a plant and possesses the odour and other characteristic properties of the plant. Examples of useful essential oils include: almond bitter oil, anise oil, basil oil, bay oil, caraway oil, cardamom oil, cedar oil, celery oil, chamomile oil, cinnamon oil, citronella oil, clove oil, coriander oil, cumin oil, dill oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, lime oil, mint oil, parsley oil, peppermint oil, pepper oil, rose oil, spearmint oil (menthol), sweet orange oil, thyme oil, turmeric oil, and oil of winter green. Examples of active ingredients in essential oils are: citronellal, methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate, propyl salicylate, citronellol, safrole, and limonene.

By the term pesticide as used herein it is intended to include, inter alia, insecticides, lousicides, acaricides, miticides, etc. The pesticides of the invention may comprise a material which is toxic to adult pests, e.g. insects, but shall include their larvae and ova. The pesticides of the invention include those that are active on insects, arachnids, and especially, but shall not be limited to, those which are a pest to humans such as parasitic insects and parasitic arachnids, and especially hematophagous ectoparasites, such as head lice, fleas and the like. Particular ectoparasites include the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis), the body louse {Pediculus humanus humanus), the pubic louse (Pthirus pubis) and the scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) and/or their larvae and/or ova.

Therefore, in a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pesticidal liquid composition as hereinbefore described which is an insecticide.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pesticidal liquid composition as hereinbefore described which is a lousicide. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pesticidal liquid composition as hereinbefore described which is an acaricide.

In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a pesticidal liquid composition as hereinbefore described which is a miticide.

The term "insects" shall also include the Tineidae family of moths, such as, the common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella), the case bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella) and the carpet moth (Trichophaga tapetzella), and especially their larvae and/or ova. It will also be understood that whilst the composition of the invention is suitable for use with humans and especially children, it may also be used with other mammals and especially domesticated mammals, such as cats, dogs, horses, etc.

The use of a lower concentrations of -menthane-3,8-diol, e.g. comprising less than 70% w/w of /?-menthane-3,8-diol, as an insecticide, has not been previously disclosed and its use as a toxic, i.e. pesticidal agent, other than on hard bodied ticks Ixodes. Therefore, according to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided p- menthane-3,8-diol for use as a pesticide, other than on hard bodied ticks Ixodes. The p- menthane-3,8-diol according to this aspect of the invention may be a high concentration liquid composition, i.e. comprising from 70 to 85% w/w of -menthane-3,8-diol as hereinbefore described or may comprise less than 70% w/w of /?-menthane-3,8-diol.

We further provide a pesticidal composition comprising /?-menthane-3,8-diol as active pesticidal ingredient in admixture with a suitable adjuvant, diluent or carrier, other than for use on hard bodied ticks Ixodes. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of treatment of a mammalian subject, e.g. a human, to combat infestation by an ectoparasite, which comprises administering, e.g. topically, to the subject an effective amount of ?-menthane- 3,8-diol as hereinbefore described that is toxic to the ectoparasite, its larvae and/or ova. The invention further provides a method of treatment of a mammalian subject, e.g. a human, to combat infestation by an ectoparasite, which comprises administering, e.g. topically, to the subject an effective amount of from 70 to 85% w/w of /?-menthane-3,8- diol that is toxic to the ectoparasite, its larvae and/or ova.

In the method of the invention the more efficacious compositions are preferred and therefore, preferably the amount of />-menthane-3,8-dioI is from 75 to 85% w/w as active pesticidal ingredient. We therefore preferably provide a pesticidal composition including from 70 to 85% w/w of />-menthane-3,8-diol as active insecticidal ingredient

According this aspect of the invention the method preferably comprises the use of a composition including from 70 to 85% w/w of ^-menthane-3,8-diol as active insecticidal ingredient and from 7 to 15 %w/w of PMD-citronellal acetal.

In the method of the invention the amount of PMD-citronellal acetal (ΠΙ) may preferably be from 10 to 15% w/w, more preferably 12 to 15% w/w and especially 14 to 15% w/w.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method as hereinbefore described in which the level of citronellol in the composition is less than 1% w/w, preferably less than 0.75% w/w, more preferably less than 0.5% w/w and most preferably citronellol is absent or at least undetectable using conventional methods known per se, for example, gas-liquid chromatography. Also, there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of citronellol is less than 5% w/w. Alternatively, there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of 1,8-cineol is less than 0.1% w/w.

Alternatively, there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of citronellyl acetate is less than 0.1 % w/w.

Alternatively, there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of linalol is less than 0.1% w/w.

Alternatively, there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of β-pinene is less than 0.1% w/w.

Alternatively, there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of a-terpinol is less than 0.1% w/w. Alternatively, there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of d-limonene is less than 0.05% w/w. Alternatively, there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of geranial is less than 0.1% w/w.

Alternatively, there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of geraniol is less than 0.1% w/w.

In an especially preferred aspect of the invention there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the amount of amounts of citronellol is less than 5% w/w, 1,8-cineol is less than 0.1% w/w, citronellyl acetate is less than 0.1% w/w, linalol is less than 0.1% w/w, β-pinene is less than 0.1% w/w, a-terpinol is less than 0.1% w/w, d- limonene is less than 0.05% w/w, geranial is less than 0.1% w/w and geraniol is less than 0.1% w/w.

Thus, in the method of the invention the composition of the invention may include, for example, a fragrance compound or a perfume composition. The fragrance compound or perfume composition may comprise one or more essential oils and/or active ingredients of essential oils. An essential oil includes any type of volatile oil that is obtained from a plant and possesses the odour and other characteristic properties of the plant. Examples of useful essential oils include: almond bitter oil, anise oil, basil oil, bay oil, caraway oil, cardamom oil, cedar oil, celery oil, chamomile oil, cinnamon oil, citronella oil, clove oil, coriander oil, cumin oil, dill oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, lime oil, mint oil, parsley oil, peppermint oil, pepper oil, rose oil, spearmint oil (menthol), sweet orange oil, thyme oil, turmeric oil, and oil of wintergreen. Examples of active ingredients in essential oils are: citronellal, methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate, propyl salicylate, citronellol, safrole, and limonene.

Therefore, in a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the pesticide is an insecticide.

Therefore, in a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the pesticide is a lousicide. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the pesticide is an acaricide.

In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a method as hereinbefore described wherein the pesticide is a miticide.

The term "ectoparasites" especially includes one or more arachnids, e.g. mites, such as, the scabies mite {Sarcoptes scabiei) and one or more insects, e.g. lice, such as, the head louse {Pediculus humanus capitis), body louse {Pediculus humanus humanus), the pubic louse {Pthirus pubis).

The invention also provides a method of treating an article, to combat infestation by Tineidae and/or their larvae and/or ova, which comprises administering to the article an effective amount of p-menthane-3,8-diol that is toxic to the Tineidae, its larvae and/or ova. Optionally, the invention provides a method of treating an article as hereinbefore described wherein the effective amount of p-menthane-3,8-diol is from 70 to 85% w/w.

For the treatment of humans or mammals the composition or formulation of the invention may be applied topically to the skin, hide, hair, fur, feathers or other surface of a mammal, such as a human or domesticated animal, that serves as a host for an insect as hereinbefore defined. Thus, the formulation of the invention will preferably include a dermatologically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier. Such a carrier may, for example, be selected form the group consisting of water, alcohol, silicone, petrolatum, lanolin; or an organic liquid carrier, such as a liquid aliphatic hydrocarbon (e.g. pentane, hexane, heptane, nonane, decane, etc) or a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon.

Other suitable carriers include silicone, petrolatum, lanolin, liquid hydrocarbons, agricultural spray oils, paraffin oil, tall oils, liquid terpene hydrocarbons and terpene alcohols, aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, mineral oil, higher alcohols, finely divided organic and inorganic solid materials. In addition to the above- mentioned liquid hydrocarbons, the carrier can contain conventional emulsifying agents which can be used for causing the active ingredient to be dispersed in, and diluted with, water for end-use application. Still other liquid carriers can include organic solvents such as aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and ketones. Aliphatic monohydric alcohols include methyl, ethyl, normal-propyl, isopropyl, normal-butyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl alcohols. Suitable alcohols include glycols (such as ethylene and propylene glycol) and pinacols. Suitable polyhydroxy alcohols include glycerol, arabitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and the like. Finally, suitable cyclic alcohols include cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl alcohols.

Conventional aromatic and aliphatic esters, aldehydes and ketones can be used as carriers, and occasionally are used in combination with the above-mentioned alcohols. Still other liquid carriers include relatively high-boiling petroleum products such as mineral oil and higher alcohols (such as cetyl alcohol). Additionally, conventional or so- called "stabilizers" (e.g. tert-butyl sulfinyl dimethyl dithiocarbonate) can be used in conjunction with, or as a component of, the carrier or carriers used in a composition as made according to this invention.

The topically administered formulation of the invention may be formulated as one or more of a body wash, rinse, lotion, splash, tonic or toner, bath and shower gels, foam products (e.g. shaving foams), makeup, deodorants, shampoo, hair lacquers/hair rinses, personal soap compositions (e.g. hand soaps and bath/shower soaps) or other personal care treatments or palliatives, and cleaning agents such as detergents and solvents, and air fresheners and odour removers. Such products may be fabricated, for example, in the form of a sprayable liquid, an aerosol, a foam, a cream, an ointment, a gel, a paste, a powder or a friable solid.

The formulation of the invention may also contain other therapeutically or cosmetically active adjuvants or supplemental ingredients as are typical in the personal care industry. Examples of these include, but shall not be limited to fungicides, sun screening agents, sun blocking agents, vitamins, tanning agents, plant extracts, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-oxidants, radical scavenging agents, retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, antiseptics, antibiotics, antibacterial agents, antihistamines; adjuvants such as thickeners, buffering agents, chelating agents, preservatives, gelling agents, stabilizers, surfactants, emolients, colouring agents, aloe vera, waxes, and penetration enhancers; and mixtures thereof.

For the treatment of the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis) an effective amount of p- menthane-3,8-diol as hereinbefore described may be made up into a shampoo composition. Such as shampoo composition may also include a volatile silicone, for example in the form of a non-volatile siloxane.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of treating an article, to combat infestation by Tineidae and/or their larvae and/or ova, which comprises administering to the article an effective amount of /?-menthane-3,8-diol as hereinbefore described that is toxic to the Tineidae, its larvae and/or ova. For use in the method of this aspect of the invention the >-menthane-3,8-diol may be in liquid or solid form, e.g. in the form of a "mothball".

Detailed Description of the Invention

Method

Treatments

A: Polyester material treated with 10% Citrepel® (diluted in 60% isopropyl alcohol) B: Polyester material treated with 5% Citrepel® (diluted in 60% isopropyl alcohol) C: Control (Polyester material treated with 60% isopropyl alcohol)

Citrepel® is /?-menthane-3,8-diol (70 to 85% w/w liquid)

A circular sample of the test material with a diameter of 85 mm was added to each experimental arena, a 90 mm Petri dish. The Citrepel® solutions were then made by diluting to 10% and 5% with 60% isopropyl alcohol (IP A). 2ml of solution was added evenly to the appropriate piece of material using a Pasteur pipette, with 2ml of 60% IPA added to the control. After being allowed to dry, the material samples were incubated at 75% relative humidity (RH), 25°C for 72 hrs. Following this 72 hour period, 0.1 grams of house dust mite food was added to the material. This food had previously been incubated at 75% RH, 25°C for 72 hrs. Fifty mites of mixed developmental stages were then placed in each experimental arena with one replicate being set up for each treatment. To prevent the mites from escaping, the Petri dish entrance was covered with a mite proof vapour permeable material which was fixed in place using the containers original lid. Each Ud had 4 circular holes of 5mm diameter cut into it to allow vapour transfer to take place. The experimental arenas were then incubated at 75% RH, 25°C for three weeks, after which all replicates were removed and the number of live mites in each arena counted using the heat extraction method. The lids of each pot were removed and a circular piece of autoclave tape was placed over each fabric sample with a small amount of wadding in between. The pots were then placed on a hot plate at 40°C rising to 50°C after 30 minutes, and remained there for 24 hours. The autoclave tape was then removed and placed on a glass surface through which the number of mites stuck to each tape could be counted under a microscope.

Results

Table 1

Total No. Of % Reduction

Mites

10% Citrepel® 0 100

5% Citrepel® 5 61.5

Untreated 13

Table 1 : A comparison of the numbers of House Dust Mites extracted from treated and untreated samples of material after three weeks of incubation.

These results show Citrepel® to be a very promising treatment in the reduction of house dust mite populations. The 5% solution showed a 61.5% reduction when compared to the control, which is a relatively strong effect. However the 10% solution showed a much more significant action with no house dust mites being extracted.

0186P.WO.Spec(2)

Claims

1. A pesticidal composition including from 70 to 85% w/w of -menthane-3,8-diol in liquid form as active pesticidal ingredient.

2. A pesticidal composition according to claim 1 comprising from 70 to 85% w/w p- menthane-3,8-diol and from 7 to 15 %w/w of PMD-citronellal acetal.

3. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of 7-menthane-3,8-diol is from 75 to 85% w/w.

4. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of PMD-citronellal acetal is from 10 to 15% w/w.

5. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of PMD-citronellal acetal is from 12 to 15% w/w.

6. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of PMD-citronellal acetal is from 14 to 15% w/w.

7. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of citronellol is less than 5% w/w.

8. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of citronellol is less than 1% w/w.

9. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of 1 ,8-cineol is less than 0.1% w/w.

10. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of citronellyl acetate is less than 0.1% w/w.

11. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of linalol is less than 0.1% w/w.

12. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of β-pinene is less than 0.1% w/w.

13. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of a-terpinol is less than 0.1% w/w.

14. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of d-limonene is less than 0.05% w/w.

15. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of geranial is less than 0.1% w/w.

16. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of geraniol is less than 0.1% w/w.

17. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of amounts of citronellol is less than 5% w/w, 1,8-cineol is less than 0.1% w/w, citronellyl acetate is less than 0.1% w/w, linalol is less than 0.1% w/w, β-pinene is less than 0.1% w/w, a-terpinol is less than 0.1% w/w, d-limonene is less than 0.05% w/w, geranial is less than 0.1% w/w and geraniol is less than 0.1 % w/w.

18. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims which includes an additional scent or aromatic oil.

19. A pesticidal liquid composition according to any one of the preceding claims which is for killing an ectoparasite.

20. A pesticidal liquid composition according to any one of the preceding claims which is an insecticide.

21. A pesticidal liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18 which is a lousicide.

22. A pesticidal liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18 which is an acaricide.

23. A pesticidal liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18 which is a miticide.

24. A pesticidal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the composition is toxic to ectoparasites including the head louse {Pediculus humanus capitis), the body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus), the pubic louse (Pthirus pubis) and the scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) and/or their larvae and/or ova.

25. A pesticidal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the composition is toxic to the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) and/or their larvae and/or ova and is in the form of a shampoo.

26. A pesticidal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the composition is toxic to the Tineidae family of moths, such as, the common clothes moth (Tineola bissellielld), the case bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella) and the carpet moth (Trichophaga tapetzella), and/or their larvae and/or ova.

27. A pesticidal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the composition is toxic to the Tineidae family of moths, and/or their larvae and/or ova in solid form, e.g. in the form of a "mothball".

28. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the formulation is for application topically to the skin, hide, hair, fur, feathers or other surface of a mammal.

29. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the formulation comprises one or more of a body wash, rinse, lotion, splash, tonic or toner, bath and shower gels, foam products (e.g. shaving foams), makeup, deodorants, shampoo, hair lacquers/hair rinses, personal soap compositions (e.g. hand soaps and bath/shower soaps) or other personal care treatments or palliatives, and cleaning agents such as detergents and solvents, and air f esheners and odour removers.

30. A pesticidal composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the formulation is in the form of a sprayable liquid, an aerosol, a foam, a cream, an ointment, a gel, a paste, a powder or a friable solid.

31. The use of a high concentration liquid composition comprising from 70 to 85% w/w of -menthane-3,8-diol in the manufacture of an pesticide composition according to any one of the preceding claims.

32. A pesticidal formulation comprising /?-menthane-3,8-diol composition as active pesticidal ingredient in admixture with a suitable adjuvant, diluent or carrier, other than for use on hard bodied ticks, Ixodes.

33. /?-Menthane-3,8-diol for use as a pesticide on other than hard bodied ticks, Ixodes.

34. A method of treatment of a mammalian subject to combat infestation by an ectoparasite, which comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of pesticidal composition including from 70 to 85% w/w of -menthane-3,8-diol in liquid form as active pesticidal ingredient that is toxic to the ectoparasite, its larvae and/or ova.

35. A method according to claim 34 comprising from 70 to 85% w/w p-menthane- 3,8-diol and from 7 to 15 %w/w of PMD-citronellal acetal.

36. A method according to any one of claims 34 and 35 wherein the amount of p- menthane-3,8-diol is from 75 to 85% w/w.

37. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 36 wherein the amount of PMD- citronellal acetal is from 10 to 15% w/w.

38. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 37 wherein the amount of PMD- citronellal acetal is from 12 to 15% w/w.

39. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 38 wherein the amount of PMD- citronellal acetal is from 14 to 15% w/w.

40. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 39 wherein the amount of citronellol is less than 5% w/w.

41. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 40 wherein the amount of citronellol is less than 1 % w/w.

42. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 41 wherein the amount of 1,8- cineol is less than 0.1% w/w.

43. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 42 wherein the amount of citronellyl acetate is less than 0.1 % w/w.

44. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 43 wherein the amount of linalol is less than 0.1% w/w.

45. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 44 wherein the amount of β- pinene is less than 0.1% w/w.

46. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 45 wherein the amount of a- terpinol is less than 0.1% w/w.

47. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 46 wherein the amount of d- limonene is less than 0.05% w/w.

48. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 47 wherein the amount of geranial is less than 0.1% w/w.

49. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 48 wherein the amount of geraniol is less than 0.1% w/w.

50. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 49 wherein the amount of amounts of citronellol is less than 5% w/w, 1,8-cineol is less than 0.1% w/w, citronellyl acetate is less than 0.1% w/w, linalol is less than 0.1% w/w, β-pinene is less than 0.1% w/w, a- terpinol is less than 0.1% w/w, d-limonene is less than 0.05% w/w, geranial is less than 0.1% w/w and geraniol is less than 0.1% w/w.

51. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 50 which includes an additional scent or aromatic oil .

52. A pesticidal liquid composition according to any one of claims 34 to 51 which is an insecticide.

53. A pesticidal liquid composition according to any one of claims 34 to 51 which is an lousicide.

54. A pesticidal liquid composition according to any one of claims 34 to 51 which is an acaricide.

55. A pesticidal liquid composition according to any one of claims 34 to 51 which is an miticide.

56. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 51 wherein the composition is toxic to ectoparasites including the head louse {Pediculus humanus capitis), the body louse {Pediculus humanus humanus), the pubic louse {Pthirus pubis) and the scabies mite {Sarcoptes scabiei) and/or their larvae and or ova.

57. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 56 wherein the composition is toxic to the head louse {Pediculus humanus capitis) and/or their larvae and/or ova and is in the form of a shampoo.

58. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 51 wherein the composition is toxic to the Tineidae family of moths, such as, the common clothes moth {Tineola bisselliella), the case bearing clothes moth {Tinea pellionella) and the carpet moth {Trichophaga tapetzella), and/or their larvae and/or ova.

59. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 51 wherein the composition is toxic to the Tineidae family of moths, and/or their larvae and/or ova in solid form, e.g. in the form of a "mothball".

60. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 59 wherein the formulation is for application topically to the skin, hide, hair, fur, feathers or other surface of a mammal.

61. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 60 wherein the formulation comprises one or more of a body wash, rinse, lotion, splash, tonic or toner, bath and shower gels, foam products (e.g. shaving foams), makeup, deodorants, shampoo, hair lacquers/hair rinses, personal soap compositions (e.g. hand soaps and bath/shower soaps) or other personal care treatments or palliatives, and cleaning agents such as detergents and solvents, and air fresheners and odour removers.

62. A method according to any one of claims 34 to 61 wherein the formulation is in the form of a sprayable liquid, an aerosol, a foam, a cream, an ointment, a gel, a paste, a powder or a friable solid.

63. A method of treating an article, to combat infestation by Tineidae and/or their larvae and/or ova, which comprises administering to the article an effective amount of p- menthane-3,8-diol that is toxic to the Tineidae, its larvae and/or ova.

64. A method of treating an article according to claim 63 wherein the effective amount of -menthane-3,8-diol is from 70 to 85% w/w.

65. A method of treatment of a mammalian subject, e.g. a human, to combat infestation by an ectoparasite, which comprises administering, e.g. topically, to the subject an effective amount of /7-menthane-3,8-diol that is toxic to the ectoparasite, its larvae and/or ova, other than on hard bodied ticks Ixodes.

66. A composition, use, formulation or method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying examples.

0186P.WO.Spec(2)