If you’re like me, mosquitoes and any other blood sucking insects attack me while missing everyone else around. This weekend I went for a short hike and was immediately bombarded by the little buggers. 10 bites later, I seriously started thinking about bug repellents. I’m not too fond of DEET and other chemicals and it was obvious the “all natural” repellent wipe I used did not do it’s job. So, once again I put on my research hat and this is what I found.
Most insect repellents contain DEET (a.k.a. N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide). Although the CDC and American Pediatric association state it’s safe if used properly, additional studies have found it to slow motor skills and impair central nervous system function along with causing severe headaches and seizures. DEET is also not biodegradable and has been found in waterways. Now it’s probably better to use DEET if you are in an area where insect-bourne diseases are a concern. I’d rather use DEET than contract Lyme Disease that’s for sure. When using DEET be sure to follow these guidelines:
- Don’t apply to children’s hands or face, to reduce potential contact with eyes or ingestion.
- Don’t apply on cuts, wounds or sunburned skin.
- Apply as little as possible, to exposed skin only.
- Be conservative about reapplication, following label directions regarding length of effectiveness.
- Never use under clothing.
- Wash product off with soap and water when coming indoors.
Several outdoor clothing manufacturers have also started selling clothing treated with permethrin a synthetic version found in chrysanthemums. It’s used to help deter mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects by releasing the chemical as you sweat. The down side is it permeates into your skin and can cause asthma attacks, headaches and nausea. It is also a suspected endocrine disrupter. Additionally the chemical comes out of the clothing when washed, drains into our water system and eventually you are left with clothing that no longer is effective.
The best thing to look for is repellents with natural plant oils such as; geranium, citronella, tea tree, catnip, marigold, lemon balm, lavender, peppermint and oil of lemon eucalyptus. The CDC also recommends using picaridin, which the World Health Organization has found just as effective as DEET on mosquitoes found in the U.S. and the best protection against Malaria.
The best way to repel bugs and ticks is prevention not chemicals. Follow some of these guidelines when out in an area where you are most likely to be attacked by the little buggers:
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed shoes and socks in areas with high mosquito or tick populations.
- For added protection against ticks, tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants.
- Wear light colors. There is some evidence that mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors than light colors, and light colors make any ticks that might crawl on you more visible.
- Avoid being outside when the bugs are worst, generally dusk to dawn.
- When walking in tick-infested areas, stick to the center of the path and avoid brushing against grasses, where ticks wait to hop a ride.
- Check for ticks at the end of each day, paying careful attention to your head and warm spots such as underarms, behind the knees and between the toes.
Also be sure to avoid products that combine sunscreen with insect repellent. Sunscreen should be applied often, whereas insect repellents should only be reapplied as needed.
The National Geographic Green Guide has a great product comparison which lists the active ingredients, what the product is most effective against, msrp, and where to purchase the product.