Methods and compositions for improved insect repellency

A method of identifying an insect repellent compound, the method comprising:

• a. contacting at least one test compound with an insect sensilla that expresses an odorant receptor 31 (Or31) gene product, wherein the odorant receptor 31 (Or31) gene product comprises a polypeptide with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
• 1 or 2;
• and
• b. recording firing frequencies of the sensilla to thereby detect at least one insect repellant compound in the test compound, wherein the test compound is determined to comprise the at least one insect repellant compound based on increased firing frequencies of the sensilla contacted with the test compound compared to sensilla not contacted with the test compound.