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 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.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends two products, DEET and picaridin. According to the CDC, each of these products works well and offers long lasting protection. DEET was developed in the 1940's for the U.S. Army and first offered to the public in 1957.
The amount of active ingredient in a mosquito repellent is very important. The higher the concentration of active ingredient, the longer the protection lasts. If you're normally outside for 3-4 hours, a product with 20% or more of DEET offers good protection. If you're typically outside for less than 3 hours, products with less than 20% DEET or 7% picaridin offer 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.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are two other active ingredients recommended by CDC. While they do provide good protection, they don't last as long as the higher concentrations of DEET. According to test done by EPA, oil of lemon eucalyptus provides about the same length of protection as the lower concentrations of DEET. Read the label of any product using this ingredient. Children less than 3 years of age should not be exposed to this ingredient.
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.
Here are the ground rules for using mosquito repellents safely: Read and follow the instructions on the label. Only apply these products to exposed skin. Don't use these products under clothing. Don't apply to cuts, wounds or rashes. Don't apply near eyes or mouth, and apply lightly around the ears. Don't allow children to apply these products. When you return indoors, wash with soap and water or bathe.
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.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends two products, DEET and picaridin. According to the CDC, each of these products works well and offers long lasting protection. DEET was developed in the 1940's for the U.S. Army and first offered to the public in 1957.
The amount of active ingredient in a mosquito repellent is very important. The higher the concentration of active ingredient, the longer the protection lasts. If you're normally outside for 3-4 hours, a product with 20% or more of DEET offers good protection. If you're typically outside for less than 3 hours, products with less than 20% DEET or 7% picaridin offer 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.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are two other active ingredients recommended by CDC. While they do provide good protection, they don't last as long as the higher concentrations of DEET. According to test done by EPA, oil of lemon eucalyptus provides about the same length of protection as the lower concentrations of DEET. Read the label of any product using this ingredient. Children less than 3 years of age should not be exposed to this ingredient.
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.
Here are the ground rules for using mosquito repellents safely: Read and follow the instructions on the label. Only apply these products to exposed skin. Don't use these products under clothing. Don't apply to cuts, wounds or rashes. Don't apply near eyes or mouth, and apply lightly around the ears. Don't allow children to apply these products. When you return indoors, wash with soap and water or bathe.
About the Author:
Russ Frank is the owner and manager of Florida Bug Inspectors. He's been solving all kinds of pest problems, including mosquito control in Tampa for more than 25 years.
0 comments:
Post a Comment