When the weather warms and turns hot, it brings out not only fun activities like swimming, camping, hiking, and fishing, but also mosquitoes and the diseases they potentially carry, such as West Nile Virus. Many are familiar with the chemical products used to keep insects away which are products that contain DEET.
DEET has been deemed safe to use by the Environmental Protection Agency, even for children as young as two months of age. Many people, however, are reluctant to apply a chemical toxin to their skin or on their young children, and are looking for natural products that can repel insects.
Plant-Based Bug Repellents
Bite Blocker for Kids is a relatively new product on the market that has shown to be safe as well as effective in repelling insects. The American Pediatric Academy has recommended this product for children as well as for pregnant women. Bite Blocker is a soy-based product, made with soybean and geranium oil, and has shown to be effective against mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks. Its negatives include less protection time than other repellents.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or PMD is derived from natural materials and is classified as a biopesticide. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus occurs naturally in eucalyptus leaves and twigs, and has been recommended by the CDC as a viable alternative to DEET, as it is effective in repelling both mosquitoes and ticks. It is not recommended for use on children under the age of three and is harmful if ingested in large quantities.
Oil of Citronella has been used for many years. It is derived from dried, fragrant, cultivated grasses, and has been effective in repelling insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, black flies and fleas. As with many of the natural insect repellents, frequent reapplication is needed, as much as every two hours, and higher concentrations of the plant-based oil is also needed to effectively repel mosquitoes. Other plant-based repellents include: cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, cedar grass oil and rosemary oil.
Geraniol is another plant-based product, derived from geranium oil. This oil has been used to repel mosquitoes, black flies, noseeums, gnats, and other bothersome insects, and is found in products such as Bug Band and Koolatron.
Other Ways to Repel Insects Without Chemicals
For those who wish to avoid both chemical and natural insect repellents, the following are some tips that may help to keep the bugs away this summer:
-Wear long sleeves and pants. Mosquitoes and other insects may be able to bite through a very thin sleeve, but wearing a thicker sleeve and pants will keep the bugs off.
-Use fans. Fans not only keep the surrounding areas cool, but also keeps bugs away.
-Keep away from standing water and eliminate any such areas in your yard. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
When using natural, plant-based products like the ones listed above, be sure to remember that natural does not necessarily mean safe. Some people may be sensitive to certain oils, and some natural products may be toxic. Closely follow the manufacturer's instructions on usage to prevent any harmful reactions. If an allergic reaction follows usage, be sure to wash the area clean of the product and see your physician.
Author Paul Linus
DEET has been deemed safe to use by the Environmental Protection Agency, even for children as young as two months of age. Many people, however, are reluctant to apply a chemical toxin to their skin or on their young children, and are looking for natural products that can repel insects.
Plant-Based Bug Repellents
Bite Blocker for Kids is a relatively new product on the market that has shown to be safe as well as effective in repelling insects. The American Pediatric Academy has recommended this product for children as well as for pregnant women. Bite Blocker is a soy-based product, made with soybean and geranium oil, and has shown to be effective against mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks. Its negatives include less protection time than other repellents.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or PMD is derived from natural materials and is classified as a biopesticide. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus occurs naturally in eucalyptus leaves and twigs, and has been recommended by the CDC as a viable alternative to DEET, as it is effective in repelling both mosquitoes and ticks. It is not recommended for use on children under the age of three and is harmful if ingested in large quantities.
Oil of Citronella has been used for many years. It is derived from dried, fragrant, cultivated grasses, and has been effective in repelling insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, black flies and fleas. As with many of the natural insect repellents, frequent reapplication is needed, as much as every two hours, and higher concentrations of the plant-based oil is also needed to effectively repel mosquitoes. Other plant-based repellents include: cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, cedar grass oil and rosemary oil.
Geraniol is another plant-based product, derived from geranium oil. This oil has been used to repel mosquitoes, black flies, noseeums, gnats, and other bothersome insects, and is found in products such as Bug Band and Koolatron.
Other Ways to Repel Insects Without Chemicals
For those who wish to avoid both chemical and natural insect repellents, the following are some tips that may help to keep the bugs away this summer:
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-Wear long sleeves and pants. Mosquitoes and other insects may be able to bite through a very thin sleeve, but wearing a thicker sleeve and pants will keep the bugs off.
-Use fans. Fans not only keep the surrounding areas cool, but also keeps bugs away.
-Keep away from standing water and eliminate any such areas in your yard. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
When using natural, plant-based products like the ones listed above, be sure to remember that natural does not necessarily mean safe. Some people may be sensitive to certain oils, and some natural products may be toxic. Closely follow the manufacturer's instructions on usage to prevent any harmful reactions. If an allergic reaction follows usage, be sure to wash the area clean of the product and see your physician.
Author Paul Linus
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