Mosquito Repellents

Picaridin and Natural Mosquito Repellents

Clinical tests all conclude that mosquito repellents using DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) as their active ingredient are effective. However, DEET has an off-putting smell and doesn't feel good on the skin. DEET is also a solvent for which improper use is risky, and in higher concentrations, it can ruin clothing, plastic and paint finishes. Therefore, many question whether DEET is the safest thing to put on your skin. Some researchers and pediatricians warn that even using DEET according to the label instructions may pose health risks. Noting an association with seizure incidents among children, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorizes DEET as "slightly risky."

While DEET has been around for decades, scientists did not know exactly how it worked. A recent study by researchers at Rockefeller University, however, helped to discover that DEET blocks the odors that attract insects to humans. The importance of this discovery is significant both in understanding the chemical and in fueling further research. Now that scientists know how the chemical affects insects, they will be able to develop better and more effective alternatives to DEET.

Some alternative mosquito repellents smell and feel better than DEET; they cause less damage and are more pleasant to use, but no alternative to DEET has been shown to be as effective, especially against mosquitoes.

Although more alternatives are available, research consistently points to three mosquito-repelling ingredients as effective alternatives to DEET. The main drawback to these mosquito repellents is that you may need to reapply them more often, and each ingredient has advantages and drawbacks.

DEET: Chemical that's effective against mosquitoes,(some flies, gnats and ticks). Safety is well-studied, but controversial. It works well for most people, but has a bad smell, and doesn't feel great on the skin. It can damage plastics, paint and synthetic fabrics, and should be washed off after use.

Picaridin: Synthetic; effective against mosquitoes.Doesn't harm clothing or plastic and is safe for kids over two months old. Protects for about 2.5 hours and is odorless. Works better for some people than others.

Lemon eucalyptus oil: Natural insect repellent, but can't be used by kids under three years old. Protects against mosquitoes,(gnats and ticks). Lasts from four to eight hours. Doesn't damage plastic or fabric, but can stain leather. Some people don't like the smell, and it's more effective for some people than others.

Useful Tips for using Mosquito Repellents:

·   Test any new mosquito repellent on a small area of skin first. The inside of the elbow is a good testing spot. Anyone can prove allergic to an ingredient, so test first.

·   Read and follow all directions on the product label. Apply sparingly, especially on young children. If the repellent doesn't damage fabric, apply it to the outside of clothing where possible, rather than directly to skin.

·   Do not apply over cuts, wounds or irritated skin -- or near eyes and mouths of young children. Do not spray in enclosed areas. Do not use under clothing.

·   Use separate mosquito repellent and sunscreen products. Using DEET combined with sunscreen could increase skin absorption. If you need both sun protection and mosquito repellent, reviews say you should apply sunscreen first, wait for it to dry, then apply insect repellent.

·   In general, mosquito repellents aren't recommended for children under two months of age. It is recommended to wait until kids are six months old. Protect babies with mosquito netting. Oil of lemon eucalyptus isn't recommended for children under age three. Pregnant and nursing women should consult physicians before using insect repellents.

·   Wash DEET-treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors. Remove and wash treated clothing. (If you've sprayed clothing with a permethrin repellent, you can store it in plastic bags to keep it potent longer).

Top 4 Best Reviewed :

Best natural mosquito repellent

Pros: Long-lasting protection (four to six hours), Won't damage plastics or synthetics, All-natural, plant-based ingredients.

Cons: Inconsistent effectiveness, Limited usage (twice a day), Can stain leather, Not for use with children under three.

Safest insect repellent for kids

Pros: Safe for children and pregnant women, All-natural, plant-based ingredients, Effectiveness with mosquitoes (flies and ticks).

Cons: Variable protection time, Scent, Stickiness.

Best insect repellent overall

Pros: Long-lasting protection (2.5 hours), Safe for kids as young as two months, Odorless, Non-stickiness, Doesn't damage plastics.

Cons: Eye irritation, Inconsistent effectiveness.

DEET repellent for long periods or extreme conditions

Pros: Protects up to five hours, Special DEET formula, Water resistant, Works also against ticks and biting flies.

Cons: Not for use with babies, Can damage plastic and paint, Needs to be washed off after returning indoors, Expensive.