As summer
approaches here in New Zealand, we will soon be sorting through the cupboard for the insect
repellent.
How much do
you know about insect repellents? Here’s 5 Q&A to help.
1. WHAT DO INSECT REPELLENTS DO?
Get rid of
bugs. But depending on the active ingredient in an insect repellent, it can
mask our body scent, which usually attracts insects to us – confusing them, or
it can paralyze insects – killing them.
2. WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT ACTIVE
INGREDIENTS IN INSECT REPELLENTS DO?
I'm looking at the 4 most common active ingredients used in insect repellents - DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and Essential Oils.
* DEET
or Diethyl Toluamide ~
Studies suggest that DEET products are the most effective at
keeping insects away. A NZ pharmacist in October this year questioned the
safety of DEET products sold in NZ, saying some products are 80% DEET. In the
US the max concentration allowed is 30% in adult and 10% in child insect
repellents. The WHO recommends a max of 40%. “Deet is a solvent that has
also been proven to melt some plastics and textiles - a problem for those
venturing into the bush or working outdoors in garments that contain Gore-Tex,
or carrying packs and equipment that could be damaged by the products.” “Deet is
a neuro-toxin, which means it has the potential to affect your brain and
nervous system.” says the pharmacist George
Batchelor.
Labels carry warnings such as - can be dangerous especially
to children if used in large amounts on skin, clothes, bedding or for long
periods of time or repeatedly, not to be used on children under 6 years, wash
hands after use.
DEET products usually give up to 6hours protection.
Product eg.s – Autan, Aerogard Tropical Strength, RID, Repel
Tropical Insect Repellent, Bushman Insect Repellent.
* Picaridin ~
Studies suggest Picaridin is the second most effective
active ingredient to rid us of insects.
Safe to use when used as directed.
Labels carry warnings such as – suitable for children
12months and older, wash hands after use.
Picaridin products usually give 4hours protection.
Product eg,s – OFF! Family Care, Aerogard Odourless
Protection, Skin Technology Picaridin Insect Repellent.
* Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or p-Menthane-diol (PMD) ~
This is a natural oil extracted from lemon scented
eucalyptus leaves and twigs in Australia.
Studies suggest that Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus products are as
effective as Picaridin products. It is the only natural product authorities
recommend to repel insects.
Safe to use if following the directions.
Labels carry warnings such as – avoid eye contact, should
not be used on children under 12months.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus products may need to be applied more
regularly than chemical repellents.
Product eg.s – SAFE Natural Insect Repellent, Repel Lemon
Eucalyptus, Just Herbal Insect Repellent, PURE FIJI Insect repellent.
* Essentail Oils
Essential oils such as Citronella, Lavender, Peppermint,
Camphor, Cinnamon… are used in repellents. There is controversy about their
effectiveness as active ingredients in insect repellents, and studies rank them
behind Oil of Eucalyptus and Picaridin repellents.
The concentration of essential oils put into repellents is
low, making them safe repellents for people, but be aware that cats and dogs
are different and some essential oils repel animals.
Use these repellents as directed on the label. You will need
to apply them more regularly than chemical repellents.
Essential oils themselves in concentrated form should never
be used ‘topical’, or directly onto the skin of children under 2 years of age.
Product eg.s – Cancer Society Insect Repellent, Gardener
Insect Repellent, Kiwiherb Herbal Insect Repellent, Badger Anti Bug Balm, PURE
FIJI Lemongrass Insect Repellent,, Goodbye Sandfly.
3. HOW
DO YOU APPLY INSECT REPELLENT?
* For best results don’t apply like perfume with a squirt
here and there, instead apply insect repellent in a thin covering on all
exposed skin. Creams and liquids can be applied thinly making them a better
choice than sprays.
* Opinions differ as to if you only apply insect repellent
to skin or if it is effective to also apply to clothes.
* Never apply over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
* Never apply to eyes, mouth, nostrils and use sparingly
around ears.
* Never spray directly onto the face, rather spray onto your
hands first, then apply to face.
* If using spray repellent only use it outdoors to avoid
inhaling.
* Never allow children to handle insect repellent. Apply
onto your hands, not theirs, then apply onto child’s body, the
reason being that children often put their hands into their eyes, mouth and
nose.
* Again use just enough quantity to cover the area as a
heavy application will not give better or longer protection.
* ALWAYS wash hands after applying insect repellent.
Use soap and water. This is particularly important when repellents are use
repeatedly or on consecutive days.
* Remember swimming and heavy perspiring will reduce the
amount of protection an insect repellent will give.
4. WHAT DOES A HIGH PERCENT OF ACTIVE INGREDIENT
IN AN INSECT REPELLENT MEAN?
The stronger the repellent or the active ingredient in an
insect repellent, the longer you are protected from insects. It does not men
that more mosquitoes will be killed.
5. ARE
THERE ALTERNATIVE PRECAUTIONS I CAN USE TO GET RID OF INSECTS?
* Avoid wearing brightly coloured clothes which can attract
insects.
* Avoid sweetly scented perfumes, moisturizers, soaps… which
attract insects.
* Wear long pants and long sleeves at dusk when insects are
most active.
* Opinions differ as to the safety of using insect repellent
if you’re pregnant or breast feeding so check your brand with your trusted
pharmacist or doctor.
* Opinions differ as to the reliability or safety of make your
own insect repellents. If you are interested to try –
* Get rid of stagnant water around your home, in ponds, roof
guttering, bird bath, in large leafy plants, puddles or water features with
still water….
* Plant insect repelling plants in your garden especially near outdoor leisure areas or child play areas. Geranium, marigold, basil, lavender, lemon balm, lemon thyme, ageratum, garlic, rosemary….
* Plant insect repelling plants in your garden especially near outdoor leisure areas or child play areas. Geranium, marigold, basil, lavender, lemon balm, lemon thyme, ageratum, garlic, rosemary….
THISWEEKWITHTHEKIDS ~ before summer and insects really hit hard, check what you have in your cupboard and have been using for insect repellent. Do some reading and thinking about what you want to do from here on.
Cathy
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