Did you know that mosquitoes can sense the presence of humans even from far away? They're attracted to the heat, humidity and the carbon dioxide that are given off. Most mosquito repellents work by hiding the chemical cues that attract mosquitoes. A good repellent will offer protection for a long period of time after just one application. That's important because many diseases like West Nile virus are transmitted by 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.
According to the Environmental Protection agency (EPA), when used according to directions, DEET does not present any health concerns and isn't classifiable as a human carcinogen. The CDC does not recommend combining DEET with sunscreen or using products that do combine the products. The American Academy of Pediatrics says DEET in concentrations below 30% is safe for children aged two months and older
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.
Numerous studies of the ultrasonic mosquito repellent devices have failed to prove they work. In addition, there is no evidence that eating onions, garlic, vitamins or any other food will repel mosquitoes. As for the portable mosquito traps that emit carbon dioxide, there has not been enough testing for scientists to draw conclusions.
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.
According to the Environmental Protection agency (EPA), when used according to directions, DEET does not present any health concerns and isn't classifiable as a human carcinogen. The CDC does not recommend combining DEET with sunscreen or using products that do combine the products. The American Academy of Pediatrics says DEET in concentrations below 30% is safe for children aged two months and older
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.
Numerous studies of the ultrasonic mosquito repellent devices have failed to prove they work. In addition, there is no evidence that eating onions, garlic, vitamins or any other food will repel mosquitoes. As for the portable mosquito traps that emit carbon dioxide, there has not been enough testing for scientists to draw conclusions.
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 mosquito Tampa mosquito control expert. He's been helping families and businesses in Tampa solve mosquito termite, roach, ant, flea and other pest control problems for over 25 years.
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