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Insect RepellentYou can minimize your exposure to insect bites by changing your patterns of activity or behaviour. Some vector mosquitoes are most active in twilight periods at dawn and dusk or in the evening, so avoid outdoor activity during these periods. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to minimize the areas of exposed skin. Shirts should be tucked in. Use insect repellents. Repellents applied to clothing, shoes, tents, mosquito nets, and other gear will enhance protection. Permethrin-containing repellents (Permanone) are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Permethrin is highly effective as an insecticide/acaricide (against ticks and mites) and as a repellent. Permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other arthropods and retains this effect after repeated laundering. Such treated clothing is thought to pose little danger for poisoning to humans wearing it. Repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide) as an active ingredient are recommended by most authorities. A common commercial repellent that contains this chemical is the brand name OFF. DEET repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods when applied to skin or clothing. Formulations containing less than 35% DEET are recommended because the additional gain in repellent effect with higher concentrations is not significant when weighed against the potential for toxicity, which include rare cases of encephalopathy (brain infection) in children. There are a number of natural products will effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication (at least every 2 hours) and higher concentrations than DEET. Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient. As you can see, natural repellents tend to be volatile plant oils. Citronella Oil Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Cinnamon Oil Castor Oil Rosemary Oil Lemongrass Oil Cedar Oil Peppermint Oil Clove Oil Geranium Oil Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an insecticide. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium. Things that Lower Repellent Effectiveness Many Sunscreens Dilution from Rain, Perspiration, or Swimming Absorption into the Skin Evaporation from Wind or High Temperatures Keep in mind that 'natural' does not automatically imply 'safe'. Many people are sensitive to plant oils. Some natural insect repellents are actually toxic. Therefore, although natural repellents provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals, please remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products. |
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