Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me!

With the advent of mosquito season, many people are feeling concern for more than just the annoying itchiness of a bite or two. Worries about West Nile Virus -- and other mosquito-carried diseases -- are leading many who would normally avoid excessive use of chemicals, to start spraying and slathering on insect repellents containing the chemical, DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide).

SAFE USE OF CHEMICAL REPELLENTS If you feel you simply must spray yourself or your child with an insect repellent containing DEET, try to keep the repellent away from your child's face. If you apply it to the face, spray or rub the repellent onto your hands first and then apply from your fingers to the face rather than spraying or applying directly from the bottle or tube to the skin. Insects often bite the lower extremeties, so spraying or applying lotion to your legs and feet (especially if they're wearing sandles during the summer months) is particularly helpful. Avoid using DEET-containing products on your child's hands because more often than not, their hands will eventually transfer the DEET to their mouth. Don't spray or apply DEET products over cuts, scratchs,rashes, or other open spots in the skin.

NATURAL ALTERNATIVES

But are there valid, healthier options when it comes to repelling our fine buzzing and biting friends? You bet! Some ideas for natural insect repellents fall into the category of folklore, myth and urban legends, but other natural remedies can be an effective means of protecting yourself and your loved ones from biting bugs and harsh chemicals.

Natural insect repellents tend to provide coverage for a shorter time, but their coverage is safer so you may find it worth the extra effort applying a bit more often. Most natural repellents only offer about one-tenth of the protection time found in DEET-containing products, so plan on reapplying every 30 minutes or so. Because of their shorter protection time, natural repellents are ideal for short evening outdoor activities like walking the dog, barbequeing, or watering the garden.

Remember: Don't spray or apply any insect repellents (natural or chemical) over cuts, scratchs, rashes, or other open spots in the skin. Also, be sure to avoid the eye area when applying repellents.

ESSENTIAL OILS AS NATURAL REPELLENTS

The most common -- and most effective -- natural insect repellents are various essential oils. Clove oil and citronella (rose geranium) are the most effective against mosquitos, but be careful with clove oil and use it sparingly -- it can be a skin irritant. Other fairly effective essential oils include: Lemon grass, eucalyptus, castor oil, peppermint, tea tree oil, lavender, and cedar. You can buy cedar oil in spray-on bottles at your local pet store.

It's important to remember when using essential oils: Don't use them internally! They need to be used externally on your skin and garments. Be sure to test any oils on a small patch of skin before applying widely to your body to avoid allergic reactions or skin irritations.

You can make your own insect repellent sprays by combining rubbing alcohol (or witch hazel, vodka, or olive oil) with one of the listed essential oils (about 10-to-1, alcohol-to-oil ratio). Shake well before each use.

To make a lotion, use: 2 ounces distilled water, 2 ounces olive oil, and about 120 drops essential oil. Put the water into a deep mixing bowl, and using a wire whip, begin beating quickly while slowly drizzling in the olive oil. After oil is mixed into the distilled water, stir in the essential oil of your choice (citronella is probably the most effective for insect repellent use).

You can also add a few drops of your choice of insect- repelling essential oils to your shampoo or liquid soap to help counteract the prefumes in these products.

Keep in mind that the following criteria reduces the effectiveness of all insect repellents: Clothing rubbing on your skin, natural evaporation, your skin's natural ability to absorb anything applied to it, sweat or rain washing off the repellent, and a windy environment.

Some folks claim that garlic is an effective insect repellent, but I think it works best for repelling friends (and maybe a vampire or two).

Copyright 2005 Deborah Taylor-Hough
Used with permission. All rights reserved.