A number of important diseases, such as West Nile virus, are transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquito repellents are an important part of our defense against such diseases. How do mosquitoes find us in the first place? They can sense the carbon dioxide, heat and even the humidity we give off. The way mosquito repellents work is to hide the cues that attract mosquitoes.
Mosquito repellents don't work exactly the same for everyone. They work better for some and not as well on others. The factors involved include the age, gender and activity level of the person involved. The type of mosquito is a factor as well. Another important fact is that mosquito repellents only work on the surface they're applied to.
DEET is one of the most effective mosquito repellents. It became available in 1957. It is one of two products that the Center for Disease Control (CED) recommends because each works well and offers long-lasting protection. In addition DEET has an excellent safety record. The other product is picaridin.
Mosquito repellent products come in many concentrations. Which you choose will depend on how long you're typically outside. If you're usually out 3-4 hours, you might look for a product with 20% or more of DEET. However, scientists tell us that products containing more than 50% DEET do not offer extra protection. If you're often outside for less than 3 hours a product with less than 20% DEET or 7% picaridin offers good protection.
How safe are these products? Here's what the various agencies say. If used according to directions DEET does not pose any health problems, and is not considered a human carcinogen according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CDC does not recommend sunscreens with combining products that contain DEET. DEET concentrations below 30% are safe for children two months of age and older according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The CDC recommends two other active ingredients that typically provide reasonably long protection, although not as long as the higher concentrations of DEET. They are oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a synthetic version of the real product. EPA's testing indicates that oil of lemon eucalyptus provides protection similar to low concentrations of DEET. Read the label however, as that product should not be used on children under 3 years of age.
In spite of many scientific studies, there is no evidence that ultrasonic mosquito repellent devices work. Neither is there any evidence that eating garlic, vitamins, onions, or any other food will repel mosquitoes from people. It seems the portable traps that emit carbon dioxide are still too new for any decision from the scientists.
The following guidelines will help use mosquito repellents safely: Read the label and follow directions. Apply these products only to exposed skin, never under clothing. Avoid applying these products to wounds, rashes or cuts. Never apply near mouth or eyes and apply only lightly around the ears. Children should not be allowed to apply these products. Wash with soap and water or bathe when you return indoors.
Mosquito repellents don't work exactly the same for everyone. They work better for some and not as well on others. The factors involved include the age, gender and activity level of the person involved. The type of mosquito is a factor as well. Another important fact is that mosquito repellents only work on the surface they're applied to.
DEET is one of the most effective mosquito repellents. It became available in 1957. It is one of two products that the Center for Disease Control (CED) recommends because each works well and offers long-lasting protection. In addition DEET has an excellent safety record. The other product is picaridin.
Mosquito repellent products come in many concentrations. Which you choose will depend on how long you're typically outside. If you're usually out 3-4 hours, you might look for a product with 20% or more of DEET. However, scientists tell us that products containing more than 50% DEET do not offer extra protection. If you're often outside for less than 3 hours a product with less than 20% DEET or 7% picaridin offers good protection.
How safe are these products? Here's what the various agencies say. If used according to directions DEET does not pose any health problems, and is not considered a human carcinogen according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CDC does not recommend sunscreens with combining products that contain DEET. DEET concentrations below 30% are safe for children two months of age and older according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The CDC recommends two other active ingredients that typically provide reasonably long protection, although not as long as the higher concentrations of DEET. They are oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a synthetic version of the real product. EPA's testing indicates that oil of lemon eucalyptus provides protection similar to low concentrations of DEET. Read the label however, as that product should not be used on children under 3 years of age.
In spite of many scientific studies, there is no evidence that ultrasonic mosquito repellent devices work. Neither is there any evidence that eating garlic, vitamins, onions, or any other food will repel mosquitoes from people. It seems the portable traps that emit carbon dioxide are still too new for any decision from the scientists.
The following guidelines will help use mosquito repellents safely: Read the label and follow directions. Apply these products only to exposed skin, never under clothing. Avoid applying these products to wounds, rashes or cuts. Never apply near mouth or eyes and apply only lightly around the ears. Children should not be allowed to apply these products. Wash with soap and water or bathe when you return indoors.
About the Author:
Russ Frank is a pest control expert in Tampa. He's been helping families and businesses in Tampa solve termite, roach, ant, flea and mosquito control problems for over 25 years.
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