Here's how you can best protect yourself, as well as your family and friends, from those itchy mosquito bites without using dangerous chemicals, like DEET.
CHOOSE THESE LEAST-TOXIC MOSQUITO REPELLENTS:
> Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) **BEST CHOICE**
The CDC recommends OLE repellents as an effective alternative to DEET. OLE masks both carbon dioxide and lactic acid exhalations that alert mosquitoes to our presence, hiding humans from detection. Protection times are similar to DEET-based repellents. Cautions: Do not apply to children less than 3 years of age.
> Picaridin (Icaridin, or KBR 3023)
A synthetic version of the piperine compound in pepper, picaridin can be used as a least-toxic alternative to DEET. Evidence does suggest that it has low potential for human harm if used as directed. Picaridin is synthetic, so those seeking a natural repellent should consider OLE. Cautions: Do not apply to children less than 2 months of age.
> IR3535 Insect repellent
Despite its synthetic make-up, IR3535 is registered as a biochemical pesticide because it is functionally identical to the molecular structure of beta alanine, a naturally occurring amino acid, and are not likely to contribute to toxicity. Still, those looking for a natural repellent should consider OLE. Cautions: Eye irritant, avoid contact in or around eyes.
> Soybean Oil
Many bug repellents are formulated with soybean oil. Although soybean oil repellents have not been tested for efficacy by EPA, Health Canada recommends these products as an acceptable mosquito repellent. The agency also does not prescribe any frequency or age limitations to the use of soybean oil repellents. Cautions: Avoid contact with eyes, follow label directions
> Citronella Oil
Although there is evidence that burning citronella candles and incense reduces backyard mosquitoes, spray-on products primarily made of citronella oil are not reported by many to be the most effective way to repel mosquitoes. Cautions: Citronella can contain human allergens and should not be applied to infants and toddlers.
> Other Essential Oils
There is limited data on the efficacy for products containing essential oils, such as lemongrass oil, castor oil, geraniol oil, cedarwood oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, and others. However, catnip oil shows the greatest promise. Cautions: No essential oils should be applied to infants or toddlers.
NOTE: Keep in mind that prevention should be your first step. Remove any standing water where mosquitoes can breed, such as plant pots, leaky hoses, clogged gutters, empty buckets, toys, and old tires. Trim back overgrown vegetation, and encourage natural predators like bats, birds, dragonflies, and frogs.
AVOID THESE TOXIC REPELLENTS:
> Permethrin-Impregnated Clothing
Permethrin is classified as “likely to be carcinogenic” by EPA, and studies have linked childhood permethrin exposure to leukemia. It also shows evidence of endocrine disruption and neurotoxicity, and research has also linked pesticides in the pyrethroid class, which permethrin is a part of, to behavioral and emotional problems in children.
> DEET
In humans, acute DEET exposure symptoms include headache, exhaustion, and mental confusion, together with blurred vision, salivation, chest tightness, muscle twitching and abdominal cramps. Researchers have noted significant concerns related to the use of DEET, including nervous system disorders, adverse developmental effects, birth defects, and neurotoxicity in children.
> Permethrin and DEET Synergy: An Important Note
Scientists link the combined effect of these two chemicals to poor sensorimotor performance and brain damage. This is especially important when considering the widespread use of permethrin in mosquito spray programs, where governments may concurrently advise the use of DEET.
READ OUR FACTSHEET for more detaiiled information on mosquito repellents, including references and citations.
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