An ingredient found in insect repellent can kill coronavirus that causes COVID-19, said the British Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

Citriodiol has already been proven to kill other kinds of coronavirus and the company that produces it said it can offer protection against COVID-19, according to Sky News.

Jacqueline Watson, managing director of Citrefine International Ltd, requested government support to conduct formal testing in April.

"What we can say is that we do feel there is a very good chance it could work against this virus but it does of course need to be thoroughly tested," said Watson.

The repellent is currently being used by the military along with facemasks and other precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Citriodiol comes from the eucalyptus citriodora tree, specifically the oil from its twigs and leaves.