Researchers have discovered why one kind of insect repellent is effective, a discovery which could lead to a potential broad spectrum solution to bugs.

The compound dimethyltoluamide, also known as DEET, has been a successful insect repellent for more than six decades.

Scientists never knew exactly why, but a new study shows how receptors and nerve cells in insect antennae that react to the repellent.

Researchers at the University of California Riverside created a computer program to screen half a million compounds to predict new repellents.

From the thousands of compounds discovered they chose several hundred that were naturally occurring, before whittling those down to four that have strong effects on both mosquitoes and fruit flies.

Associate Professor Anandasankar Ray says the study, published in the journal Nature, successfully identified compounds that were not only safe but already appear in products fit for human consumption.

"What was absolutely critical for us was to try and quickly identify compounds that would be safe, and therefore have potential to go through trials for use with humans – compounds that were affordable, pleasant smelling and strong repellents," she said.

"These compounds, methylethylamade, ethyl anthranilate and butyl anthranilate are found in plum, in grapes and jasmine extract, they're also found in orange flower blossoms and a number of other natural sources.

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