Nothing dulls the fun of a backyard camping expedition with the kids like bugs, especially biting mosquitoes. Not only are mosquitoes annoying, they can carry diseases such as West Nile virus. To keep mosquitoes from ruining your night out, choose a good repellent. Apply repellent according to package directions and reapply after swimming to provide the best protection. Does this Spark an idea?
DEET
The pesticide N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, more commonly known as DEET, is one of two pesticides the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. The higher the percentage of DEET in a repellent, the more effective it is and the longer it works. Insect repellents that contain a greater percentage of DEET tend to be more expensive, but you won't have to reapply them as often. Avoid using DEET on infants younger than 2 months.
Non-DEET
The Centers for Disease Control also recommends mosquito repellents that contain picaridin, also known as KBR 3023 or 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 1-methylpropyl ester. Look for products that contain 10 percent or more of the active ingredient.
Herbal Repellents
Products that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus, either in its natural form or a synthetic version known as PMD or para-Menthane-3,8-diol, are also approved by the Centers for Disease Control as effective mosquito repellents. You should not, however, use products that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under the age of 3. In experiments conducted by the USDA Forest Service in 2006, elemol, an extract derived from the fruit of the osage orange, was almost as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes.
Other Options
Avon Skin So Soft lotion has been touted as an effective mosquito repellent. If you choose to use Skin So Soft, select a variety intended for use against mosquitoes that contains IR3535 or picaridin, not the original formula developed as a skin lotion and bath oil. Garlic, brewer's yeast and various essential oils have their fans, but scientific studies don't provide evidence that any of these methods are effective beyond a few minutes.
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