Mosquito Control Guide

Mosquito Replellent

Because we all hate mosquitoes and want to avoid being bitten, the topic of repelling mosquitoes is an important one to consider when venturing into the great outdoors. Though there are several physical devices on the market aimed at keeping mosquitoes away, this article will focus specifically on the repellents used for topical application.

By definition, a repellent is a substance that makes a flying insect change its path and not approach the area in question. This is not the same as actually killing the insect. Insecticides are another category of products used in mosquito control (see www.mosquitozone.com for more information on these products.)

Whether applied as a spray, cream, or oil, mosquito repellents find their way to our medicine cabinets and travel kits each year. The insect repellent industry is a growing one, particularly in light of the increased spread of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus. Like any health-based product, there are pros and cons to each repellent on the market. Finding the repellent that works best for you may involve sampling a variety of products.

Ingredients in Mosquito repellent

The key ingredient of mosquito repellents may be either a synthetic chemical or a plant derivative. The following are some examples:

DEET – The most popular and widely used skin repellent is N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, commonly called “DEET.” DEET is sold in concentrations of 5%-100% and comes in cream, lotion, aerosol, and gel products.

Pros – DEET is extremely effective in repelling mosquitoes. No other ingredient comes close to working as well as DEET.

Cons – Because DEET is so very effective against mosquitoes, it can be equally harmful to humans. It is a very toxic substance and, in the extreme case, can cause brain damage. It should not be applied to cuts or open wounds and should never be massaged into the skin. Care must be used around children and pets. Never apply this ingredient directly to children. Never over apply the product, and always wash it off when returning indoors.

Examples of products containing this ingredient – Off! Deep Woods and Skintastic by SC Johnson.

IR3535 – This ingredient is fairly new on the market here in the U.S., though it has been used in Europe for some time.

Pros – This is a relatively safe ingredient. Because it is often combined with moisturizers and sunscreens, it may be considered to have some cosmetic advantages.

Cons – This ingredient usually offers short-term protection, so it may need repeated application for best results.

Examples of products containing this ingredient – Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus by Avon.

Permethrin – This ingredient is actually an insecticide but is often sold as a repellent to apply to clothing. It is related to the naturally occurring pyrethrum, made from the flowers of a type of Chrysanthemum.

Pros – Permethrin works very well in repelling mosquitoes from the skin. It binds to the fabric, so may last through several laundry washings.

Cons – This ingredient must be applied to clothing, not skin. Care should be taken to avoid skin contact.

Examples of products containing this ingredient – Permanone by Repel; this ingredient is typically sold already embedded in fabric.

Essential Oils – There are many plant-based insect repellents on the market containing essential oils from citronella, cedar, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, geranium, and soybean. Current research indicates that the essential oil of catnip may prove useful as a mosquito repellent, though studies are still underway.

Pros – Because these are from natural sources, these ingredients tend to be very safe for consumer use.

Cons – Though essential oils can have varying degrees of success in repelling mosquitoes, they are not as effective as DEET or IR3535.

Examples of products containing this ingredient –

Citronella – Natrapel by Tender; Buzz Away by Quantom; Skin-So-Soft Moisturizing Suncare by Avon.

Soybean oil – Bite Blockerfor Kids by HOMS.

Several essential oils - Herbal Armor by All Terrain.

Lactic Acid – This is a readily available compound found in sour milk. Although there are no products on the market containing this ingredient, studies are currently underway to investigate the efficacy of its use as a mosquito repellent.

Because mosquito repellents are harmful or noxious to mosquitoes, most have considerable risk to humans, as well. There are a number of precautions consumers should always take when using any products containing mosquito repellent, especially those that are synthetic compounds.

• Always read the labels and follow the directions carefully.
• Use repellent products sparingly and only on exposed skin or clothing.
• Avoid using near the eyes, mouth, or nostrils.
• Do not apply repellents near open wounds.
• Pregnant and lactating women should minimize use of mosquito repellents.
• Wash the repellent off when returning indoors.
• If you have a reaction to the repellent, wash the area and seek medical attention.

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