In the laboratory and in the field, for product manufacturers, marketing companies, consumer goods advising organizations, and regulatory bodies. We deliver fast, reliable and accurate results. BioGents performs test according to established protocols, standards and guidelines or develops new or modified procedures according to the specific questions our customers may have. Naturally, all test results are treated in strict confidence.

Olfactometer tests: quick screening for promising candidates

An olfactometer is essentially a special wind-tunnel which is used to measure the degree of the test insects' attraction or repulsion to volatile stimuli over a distance. It is hence primarily used to determine the space-repellent properties of a test substance.

We have developed a special type of olfactometer, which was successfully used both in the development of mosquito attractants and the new repellent Bayrepel™ (also known as KBR3023, Picaridin, Propidin, or Icaridin). A battery of four olfactometers, identical in construction, is available for a quick and efficient screening of repellent candidates.

Cage tests: allowing swift conclusions on the efficacy of repellents

A quick and cost-effective way to determine the mosquito-repelling qualities of an agent and the required concentration of the active ingredient. Agents can also be assessed against established repellents such as DEET. Ideal for product development.

Indoor tests: application tests under constant conditions

This procedure complies with a protocol which was developed for the Stiftung Warentest, the German equivalent of the Consumer Reports in the United States. The test rooms are air conditioned, and the number, age, and species of the mosquitoes used in the study can be controlled. This test is a good alternative field tests: More realistic than cage tests, but possible at any time and at less expense.

Field tests: the most meaningful evidence for the efficacy of a repellent

Field studies are the ultimate verification of the performance of your product. The most realistic conditions deliver the most meaningful results. We perform field tests in Europe, North America, Brazil, and Australia.

Testing repellents in the field. This study was performed in a flood plain with a large population of floodwater mosquitoes Aedes vexans and Aedes/Ochlerotatus sticticus. Ae. vexans is distributed almost world-wide, Ae./Oc. sticticus in Europe, northern Asia, and North America. Test volunteers repeatedly present a treated and an untreated lower leg to the mosquitoes. The rest of the body is protected by light clothing and a mosquito hat.

Tick tests

Effective protection from ticks, the carriers of Lyme disease (borreliosis) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) , is becoming increasingly important. This is why, in collaboration with tick specialists, we also offer efficacy tests with ticks. We cater for all requirements – from basic in vitro lab tests (moving object assays) to lab tests with human subjects and field studies.