| Mosquitoes and
other bugs can drive us crazy! More importantly, mosquitoes may carry
diseases, including West Nile Virus, Viral Encephalitis and in extremely
rare cases, Yellow fever. Ticks can carry Lyme disease.
So how do we fight back against bites and
stings of summertime bugs? How can we avoid dangerous chemical solutions
and choose all-natural methods to protect ourselves?
COMMERCIAL
INSECT REPELLENTS
DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the
most common ingredient in commercial insect repellents, developed by the
US Dept of Agriculture in 1946. It is estimated that 1/3 of the US
population uses DEET products each year.
Although the EPA has determined that
normal use of DEET is safe, DEET has been associated with rashes, eye
irritation, swelling and itching. Less frequent reactions include slurred
speech, confusion and seizures. Also DEET is considered hazardous to
children.
NATURAL
ALTERNATIVES
- Citronella is an all natural and
effective insect repellent. It’s found in oils, incense and candles. Be
sure and read the labels as many products contain no natural citronella.
- Catnip: Scientists at Iowa State
University found that nepetalactone (the essential oil in catnip) is
approximately 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.
- The Summer Cypress, an ornamental bush
also known as the burning bush (because of its deep red color in
autumn), contains an oil that lures mosquitoes. The oil can be put into
containers of insecticide that lure the mosquitoes to their death.
- Tumeric repels mosquitoes, so eat East
Indian food frequently in summer.
- Go inside at dusk. Dusk is mosquito
feeding time, so go indoors until evening comes.
- Natural oils: Essential oils such as
Lemongrass, Neem, Eucalyptus, Tumeric, Citronella and Penny Royal can be
purchased at the health food store. Be sure to dilute these oils to
avoid skin irritation.
- Cover up: Lightweight, long sleeved
and long legged clothing walls off the bugs. Be sure to cover ankles,
the favorite feeding ground for mosquitoes. Wear colorful clothing.
White and black fabrics attract insects.
- Supplements: Although not researched,
there is anecdotal evidence that B-complex vitamins, garlic and ginger
minimize mosquito bites. Since supplements are good for our health we
have everything to gain by their regular use.
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