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Insect repellents are made of various chemical composites. There are man-made chemical formulas as well as natural oils derived from plants used to create repellents. Common active ingredients in synthetic insect repellents are DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) and Picaridin (KBR 3023) (CDC, 2008). Natural repellents are made of oil of... more »
If you are doing any traveling, it's a good idea to check the travel department's advisories on outbreaks of Dengue Fever. Dengue is increasingly common in tropical areas including many popular tourist destinations. While only a small percent of Dengue infections result in fatalities, the fever itself is very unpleasant. The only way... more »
Chiggers, tiny biting insects, typically 1/20 of an inch in size, are commonly found in low,wet areas, near lakes and streams and in densely wooded locations. This simple fact, puts campers, hikers and fisherman at great risk for chigger bites. Avoid the intense itching and welting associated with chigger bites. Learn to repel... more »
With the looming threat of such diseases as West Nile Virus, encephalitis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, proper protection from biting and stinging insects when outdoors is a major concern of many people. The common answer is to dowse our skin and clothing with insect repellent. But, what are the health risks associated with common... more »
Mosquito bites are accompanied with discomforting itchiness that can irritate and infect your skin. They also are capable of carrying deadly diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus and encephalitis. To protect yourself from mosquito bites, you have to apply methods to help repel them. more »
Have you ever wanted to plan a camping trip, but just weren't sure where to start? Check out our...
Insect repellents can keep the bugs away when you're outdoors. Many will repel ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes. But how do you know which insect... more »
Geranium oil, taken from the flower of the same name, is part of a family of natural and effective insect repellents that include lemongrass and... more »
Citronella oil, which is derived from some varieties of the lemongrass family, can be used as a safe, non-toxic insect repellent. Citronella oil... more »
Rosemary oil is extracted from the fragrant, woody plant that grows throughout much of the world. Rosemary oil, when used in conjunction with... more »
With its pleasing aroma and overall effectiveness, lemongrass oil has become one of the most popular of all natural insect repellents. Lemongrass... more »
An insect repellent is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourages insects (and arthropods in general) from landing or climbing on that surface. There are also insect repellent products available based on sound production, particularly ultrasound (inaudibly high frequency sounds). These electronic devices have been shown to have no effect as a mosquito repellent by studies done by the EPA and many universities.
Insect repellents help prevent and control the outbreak of insect-borne diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, Dengue fever, bubonic plague, and West Nile fever. Pest animals commonly serving as vectors for disease include the insects flea, fly, and mosquito; and the arachnid tick.
Common insect repellents include:
* DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)
* Essential oil of the lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora) and its active compound p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD)
* Icaridin, also known as picaridin, Bayrepel, and KBR 3023
* Nepetalactone, also known as "catnip oil"
* Citronella oil
* Permethrin
* Neem oil
* Bog Myrtle
Usually insect repellents work by masking human scent, or by using a scent which insects naturally avoid. Permethrin is different in that it is actually a contact insecticide.
Repellent effectiveness
Synthetic repellents tend to be more effective and/or longer lasting than natural repellents."N Engl Journ Med">"Collins, D.A. 1993 17–20"> However, some plant-based repellents are comparable to, or somewhat better than synthetics - depending on the formula."N Engl Journ Med" />"Collins, D.A. 1993 17–20"/>"Pubmed">Mishra AK, Singh N, Sharma VP, 1995 "Use of neem oil as a mosquito repellent in tribal villages of mandla district, madhya pradesh", Indian J Malariol, Sep;32(3):99-103 Essential oil repellents can be short-lived in their effectiveness, since essential oils can evaporate completely.
A test of various insect repellents by an independent consum read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insect+repellent
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