The invention provides compositions and methods useful in repelling target
pests, such as insects from target areas. The compositions comprise
mixtures or solutions of at least one repellent composition. The
compositions of the invention preferably include an effective amount of
evening primrose oil ("EPO") to repel a target pest from a target area,
such as animals, humans, plants or building structures, along with a
carrier. The repellent composition may include a combination of EPO with
another plant extract oil and a combination of EPO with catnip oil,
optionally combined with another plant extract oil. The method for
repelling target pests from animals comprises contacting a target area
with the repellent composition to repel the target pest from the target
area. The method also reduces transmission of infectious diseases
transmitted by target pests by reducing contact of the pest with target
areas.