One of the best ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes is to wear long sleeved shirts and long pants. But with summer temperatures in the 90s and beyond, that's not always practical.
For many people, the best defense may be insect repellents. Several studies have found that the most effective repellents contain a chemical called DEET.
Although the Environmental Protection Agency says normal use of DEET doesn't present health risks to the general population, some studies have linked high concentrations of DEET with adverse side effects. But federal officials say products containing DEET are safe if used according to the printed directions.
While some experts say repellents used on children should have less than 10 percent DEET, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says no definitive studies have been published about what concentration of DEET is safe for children.
Here are some tips for using repellent:
Don't spray it onto your face. Put a little repellent on the hands and then apply to the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
Don't put DEET products on children's hands. Children often put their hands into their mouths or eyes.
DEET will not hurt cotton or linen, but it could damage synthetic fabrics.
Repellent with DEET lasts about 10 hours and can be washed off with soap and water.
For people who really want to avoid DEET-based repellents, there are some plant-derived repellents that work, too.
Products that contain 2-phenythyl propionate must be reapplied every two to three hours.
A product called Bite Blocker is made from soybeans, geranium oil and coconut oil and has been shown to work as well as DEET and for just as long.
Avon's Skin So Soft is a moisturizer that gained fame as a bug-fighter through word-of-mouth. One interesting note: The product is effective, but not because of the smell. It creates a physical barrier that mosquitoes cannot bite through.
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