Mosquitoes know when humans are nearby. Even from a distance they can sense the heat and carbon dioxide that we give off. The way mosquito repellents typically work is by masking those cues that attract mosquitoes. Because several important diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes, it's important to use a good mosquito repellent.
Mosquito repellents work better for some people than others. The level of protection is not equal. The age and level of activity of the person involved vary as do the gender and type of mosquito. Another important point is that these repellents only work on the surface they're applied to. Good coverage is a must.
One of the most effective repellents is DEET. Another good one is picaridin. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends these products because they work well and offer long lasting protection. DEET was first offered for sale in 1957 and has an excellent safety record.
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 work better for some people than others. The level of protection is not equal. The age and level of activity of the person involved vary as do the gender and type of mosquito. Another important point is that these repellents only work on the surface they're applied to. Good coverage is a must.
One of the most effective repellents is DEET. Another good one is picaridin. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends these products because they work well and offer long lasting protection. DEET was first offered for sale in 1957 and has an excellent safety record.
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 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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