Keep mosquitoes away by following a few simple repellent tips.
Although mosquitoes are vital members of the food chain, most people consider them an utter nuisance. Mosquito bites can be itchy and painful, and mosquitoes even spread deadly diseases in some parts of the world. Mosquito repellent helps keep these irritating, blood-sucking insects away and it is completely safe to use as long as you follow instructions. By keeping a few simple tips in mind, you will keep those mosquitoes away and ensure your family's safety. Does this Spark an idea?
Where to Apply and Quantity
When mosquitoes are biting you from head to toe, the temptation is often to cover every inch of your body with mosquito repellent, but this is not recommended. First of all, always try to use the minimum amount of spray possible. Unlike sunscreen, which is safe to use in excess quantities on all skin areas, most commercial mosquito repellents contain chemicals like DEET that can harm your skin if overused. Spray a light amount of repellent only on exposed areas of skin. There's no need to spray the skin that will be covered by clothing. Don't spray anywhere near open cuts, wounds or lesions of any kind. Also, avoid applying mosquito repellent on your face directly. Spray a bit on your hands, then gently pat your face down, avoiding the eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible.
Use on Children
Young children's skin is much more sensitive than adults'. The chemicals found in many commercial mosquito repellents are just too strong for them. If you purchase mosquito repellent for use on your children (ages 6 months to 12 years), choose a repellent that contains less than 10 percent DEET. Regardless of the type of repellent, never spray a child's hands or face because kids are prone to putting their fingers in their mouths and ingesting dangerous chemicals. In general, use mosquito repellent very sparingly on kids. Apply spray to your hands and gently rub your child's exposed skin areas, avoiding the eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Infants under 6 months should never use repellents containing DEET.
Preventing Mosquitoes
While repellents can be very effective on their own, a number of things can be done to increase your chances against mosquitoes. First, cover up with clothing as much as possible before going outdoors where you know there will be mosquitoes. Mosquitoes cannot bite through most clothing, except for very thin T-shirts. In general, you should avoid going outside during peak mosquito feeding hours at dawn and dusk. In addition, studies show that mosquitoes are more attracted to blue than other colors, according to worldvillage.com, so avoid wearing blue. Certain natural scents, like garlic, citrus and vinegar, repel mosquitoes, while other smells, such as fruit, honey and other natural sugars, attract them. Get rid of any outdoor items containing standing water, such as wading pools, pet bowls and empty flowerpots, because these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Tags: mosquito repellent, avoiding eyes, avoiding eyes nose, commercial mosquito, commercial mosquito repellents