Insect Repellents: Are They Effective?

Questions like are repellents safe? Can repellents be used on children? What is the side effect of repellents? Can pose a dilemma in the search for insect repellent. Don’t sweat it; choosing the right repellent for your skin can be a hassle.

But repellents are like a protective nest because they keep away ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other bugs. They are also an effective and safe way to keep you miles away from insect-borne diseases that kill millions of humans around the world.

Why Should You Use Insect Repellents?

A famous saying is “prevention is better than cure” agree or not, it’s safe to use repellents rather than suffer the consequences of not protecting yourself from insect bites. Mosquitoes transmit diseases such as Malaria, Encephalitis, and Zika Virus. Ticks cause diseases such as Powassan, Lyme, and many more. Hence, using repellents is a safe way to repel mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. While repellents are not magic wands to kill insects, they help prevent insect bites and the spread of diseases.

How Do They Work?

Skin odor and the carbon dioxide we exhale attract ticks and mosquitoes. And visual cues and movements are another way insects find their target to feast on. However, repellent ingredients influence insect taste and smell senses causing humans to be unattractive to bite.

Are Insect Repellents Effective?

Certain insect repellents rank high in the market because of their effectiveness. They include DEETs, BioUD, Picardin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and IR3535. Although there are several types of repellents, CDC advises people to choose from the list of repellents on the EPA site. It is also crucial for you to read the labels on the bottle and follow the instructions.

The EPA classified the active ingredients in DEET and picaridin as conventional insect repellents. Biopesticide repellents include PMD, IR3535, and 2-undecanone, which are derived from synthetic copies of natural ingredients.

Whatever repellents you choose should have passed the EPA test tool to determine if it is safe and best for your skin. Of course, repellents are effective, but it’s also a dumb move to leave insects in your home or surrounding unattended. Instead, call in pest experts to help you keep them at bay. Fox pest control professionals are for prompt and efficient services.

What Are The Safe Ways To Apply Repellents?

• Use a repellent that will protect you for the duration of time you will be outside.
• Do not spray directly to the face. Instead, spray a small amount on your hand, and rub cautiously on your neck and face.
• Always apply your sunscreen first before applying repellents.
• When you return indoors, wash the treated skin surface with soap and water.
• Do not use repellent on exposed wounds.

Insect repellents are not meant to kill insects like mosquitoes and ticks, but they prevent them from biting. While it’s effective and safe, please read the labels and ensure it is EPA certified before choosing a repellent. Better still, protect yourself and your home by inviting a pest expert to help eradicate insects. Always remember that only the best pest control experts thoroughly get rid of insects in your home; call fox pest control.