Biorational repellents obtained from terpenoids for use against arthropods

This invention provides compositions and methods useful for repelling target pests. The compositions comprise an amount of a monoterpenoid or sesquiterpenoid effective to repel a target pest from a target area, the monoterpenoid or sesquiterpenoid in combination with a carrier. In one embodiment, the monoterpenoid or sesquiterpenoid is from a biorational source, such as a plant volatile. In a particular embodiment, the plant volatile is a monoterpenoid, such as "nepetalactone" (or the individual nepetalactone isomers) derived from catnip (Nepeta cataria). In another embodiment, the plant volatile is any one or a combination of sesquiterpenoids derived from the fruit of the Osage orange tree (Maclura pomifera). Such compositions have repellency against arthropods, such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, mites, ticks, spiders, and so forth.