Safer Ways To Prevent Bites
Posted on: July 15, 2013Categories: LiveWell 24/7By now I’m sure you’ve noticed, we’re in for a buggier summer than usual. Pests that usually would have died in the cold instead spent the unseasonably warm winter months breeding and waiting to feast. Mosquitoes can carry threatening diseases like malaria, West Nile and encephalitis, but only 29 percent of people say they fear mosquitoes for health reasons, according to a recent survey. Nearly 60 percent, however, say they fear mosquitos because of the itch. Still, we’re not about to let some pesky flying bugs ruin an entire summer of backyard barbecues, woodsy hikes or dips in the lake.
So what can you do to prevent bites?
Most commercial insect repellents contain one of two chemicals, DEET or picaridin. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded that when these products are used according to the instructions on their labels, they are safe for both adults and children. These conventional products offer the longest-lasting protection against mosquitoes, but concerns have been raised over allergic and other reactions to using strong chemicals on the skin. However, some experts believe these concerns have been “greatly overstated.” Although it is not recommend you spray your infant, toxicity-related reactions involving these sprays have been related to people who neglected the instructions for use and over-applied repellent.
Still, there are more natural ways to keep mosquitoes at bay.
1. Avoid Dusk and Dawn- these are the peak hours for many misquotes.
2. Eat Garlic- the research isn’t conclusive but regardless this food is great for your heart health!
3. Citronella repellent- be sure to reapply often, as it wears off after 20 minutes.
4. Burn a candle- patio torches not only look great but the smoke will keep the bugs away.
5. B- vitamins- taking this vitamin may alter your scent.
6. Ditch the Bug Zapper- this gadget will end up only killing the bigger bugs- like moths.
7. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil- a 40% concentration has been found to be very effective.
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