Muscat – An organic insecticide created by four Omani researchers called Omaneem has gained attention for its ability to kill pesky pests, particularly mosquitoes.

Ali Salim al Busaidi, Afraa Salim al Mushrafi, Ghaitha Ghalib al Shuaibi and Sarah al Houti came up with the idea of formulating an organic insecticide in an effort to get rid of flies and mosquitoes.

“Many members of our community suffer because of mosquitoes, which cause serious diseases like dengue and yellow fever,” team leader Busaidi told Muscat Daily.

The project was declared one of five winners of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation’s Manafa’a Programme in 2022.

“The insecticide spray is a natural product extracted from the neem tree to expel and kill all kinds of mosquitoes – quickly and efficiently,” Busaidi said.

Omaneem is a mixture of essential oils and can be used as an air freshener, besides insecticide against mosquitoes and fruit flies.

The formulation is currently being further developed and the team hopes to make it commercially available in local markets soon.

Grateful for the support the team received, Busaidi said special thanks go to Mawarid (Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre) of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Environment Authority.

The winning teams of Manafa’a Programme are currently being provided incubation services, which will continue till July 29.