Should You Choose A Natural Insect Repellent Or A Chemical Based Solution?

Natural insect repellent is emerging as a genuine and serious alternative to the more traditional chemical based solutions such as DEET and Picaridin. These natural repellents are somewhat controversial, as is their treatment by some governments throughout the world. In Europe, for example, these products are banned from sale as insect repellents, despite the fact that there is clear evidence that they do function in this role. They don't have the concentrated strength of the chemical insect repellent solutions, and they need to be applied more often, but they do work.

There are no such restrictions on the sale of chemical based products, suggesting that the European government considers these to be totally safe, and that the claims of natural insect repellent producers are false. This is simply not true, as there is ample evidence to suggest harmful effects of chemical based solutions, and also evidence that natural products work as insect repellents. A study of the facts and the evidence is strongly recommended before you make your final purchasing choice.

When assessing the potential harmful effects of chemical based insect repellents, it does need to be borne in mind that the incidence of serious problems with their use is extremely minimal. DEET, for example, is used by millions of people throughout the summer months, and only four deaths have occurred which have been attributed to its use. Seizures and other direct negative consequences are so rare that the substance can be considered safer than many allergy-related food products.

The real problems with DEET and other chemicals come from prolonged exposure, and are more intangible than a direct causation of illness. Tests which have been carried out on workers at National Park facilities over a length of time prove that there is a negative effect of prolonged use. Workers who are exposed to DEET every day have slower reaction times, less mental clarity, and increased disturbance of sleep patterns. The hazards of chemical based insect repellents can no longer be ignored, and it is imperative now that we begin to research natural insect repellent products from an objective viewpoint, instead of assuming that everything which is not chemical is automatically impotent.

Natural products such as citronella oil have been used as insect repellents for decades, yet governments have now decided to ban their sale as such. This is without any evidence to suggest that they do not have the claimed properties. In fact, the evidence strongly suggests that these substances can and do repel insects. They are less hazardous to use, although a certain number of people do experience skin irritation with most natural products. It is really a case of trying several to see which you are compatible with, and always bearing in mind the need to apply natural solutions more often. Do this, and there is no reason why you cannot successfully use a natural insect repellent.






 

Bug Repellent News:

 

Unwanted legacy of mild winter: ticks and mosquitoes - Asheville Citizen-Times

Unwanted legacy of mild winter: ticks and mosquitoes
Asheville Citizen-Times
Mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective in fighting off bites. Chances are if you or your pets have been outside this year, somebody has come home with some unwanted hitchhikers: ticks.

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Summer Survival Kit 2012
How to prepare a personal body care summer survival kit for 2012...


20% Deet-Based Products Needed For Repelling Ticks - Newswise (press release)

Philadelphia Inquirer (blog)

20% Deet-Based Products Needed For Repelling Ticks
Newswise (press release)
Unlike DEET-based products, many natural repellent products require multiple applications and provide little protection. EUR¢ DEET-based repellents with a minimum concentration of 20% remain the primary method of personal protection against tick bites.
Experts say active tick season will bring more Lyme diseasePhiladelphia Inquirer (blog)
Michigan's tick problem is growing, here's tips to avoid bites, Lyme diseaseThe Flint Journal - MLive.com
Ticks are out, threat of Lyme disease is emerging in Southwest MichiganMLive.com
BurlingtonFreePress.com -Sierra Sun Times -Patch.com
all 41 news articles »
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Warmer Weather Fuels Bug Season; Bug Bites No. 1 Factor for Ruining Summer Trips
RACINE, Wis., May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the OFF! Buggiest Cities Survey, Americans agree that the No. 1 factor most likely to spoil a summer trip is bites from mosquitoes and other bugs. ...


Top 10 Things to Know About Ticks - Patch.com

PR Web

Top 10 Things to Know About Ticks
Patch.com
The next step is to simply pull the tick out like a splinter. 2. Work Wear with built-in tick repellent is best for preventing tick bites An easy way to avoid tick bites and disease is to wear clothing (shoes, socks, shorts or pants, and shirt) with .
Commentary: An unpleasant wonder of the natural worldBaltimore Sun
Tick Repellent Has Glowing ReportseNews Park Forest
How to protect yourself from deer ticks, Lyme diseaseEnterprise News
MarketWatch (press release)
all 59 news articles »
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No need to stay inside, but check for ticks - Delmarva Daily Times

CTV.ca

No need to stay inside, but check for ticks
Delmarva Daily Times
Safford said she uses natural repellents against Lyme and checks her children's bodies nightly at bath time, removing any ticks that are found. Ticks are especially fond of bodily creases such as armpits, the back of the knee, the groin and the nape of .
Early tick season prompts precautions on Lyme diseaseCorning Leader
Weekly challenge: protect against Lyme diseaseBoston.com
Reduce your chances of receiving bite from tickNorth Platte Telegraph
PR Web (press release)
all 52 news articles »
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Natural Bug Repellent Candles | NatureMaiden.com Blog
I have two wonderful varieties of Natural Soy Bug Repellent Candles. Each is infused with natural essential oils proven to repel those nasty summertime pests. Instead of your boring citronella candle, I've paired Citronella with ...


 




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