Mosquitoes are dangerous little bugs
Years ago, when those pesky little mosquitoes buzzed around, we sprayed on some repellent, and they stayed away from us. Since then, however, researchers have discovered that some of the repellents are toxic. Since then, people have been looking for a mosquito repellent that is both safe and effective.
Why We Need Protection
Because mosquitoes suck blood from their hosts, like us, and then move to another host, they carry many diseases. Malaria is a huge problem in tropical climates. In the United States, the West Nile virus is among the illnesses spread to humans by mosquitoes We want to keep mosquitoes away from us because they spread disease, and we also want to keep them away because they are annoying.
CDC Tests and Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using products that have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as being both effective in repelling mosquitoes and safe for people and the environment. Look for an indication that your mosquito repellent is EPA-approved.
CDC's Two Ingredient Recommendations
Many ingredients have been registered with the EPA, but the CDC has concluded that two of those ingredients have a higher efficiency rating in relation to effectiveness and longevity than the others. These two ingredients are DEET, (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) and Picaridin, (KBR 3023). In addition, an oil-based ingredient from lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol [PMD]), which is a plant-based repellent, also is registered with the EPA, which has found that it provides protection similar to products with low concentrations of DEET.
Product Recommendations
The EPA offers a guide to the effectiveness of repellents. The products that top the list contain DEET. These include Bug Screen by Proderma Products, Inc.; CVS Insect Repellent Woodland Trail by CVS Pharmacy , Inc.; Insect Repellent 30 by Tender Corp.; and Fite Bite 30 by Travel Medicine. All these provide two hours of protection..
There are also products that contain lower concentrations of active ingredients, for more sensitive or younger skin; however, don't use insect repellent on babies. For example, Family DEET Wipes by Johnson & Son, Inc., contain DEET and provide two hours of protection. Claire-1 by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., contains Picaridin, and it also lasts for two hours.
Active ingredients are listed on the labels of every repellent product. If you are unsure about any product, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Where to Purchase Insect Repellents
Limited selections of repellents are available in many retail outlets, including drugstores and grocery stores. Outdoor-product stores also usually have a large selection of repellents in their camping department.
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