Thursday, January 6, 2011

Natural Ways to Repel Insects


Bothered by flies, mosquitoes and other bugs? The best protection from pests is prevention. You can easily avoid insects and the diseases they bring by following a few simple steps.

Here are some tips adapted from "The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide."

Make yourself as unattractive to insects as possible. Black or brown clothes can provoke some insects, while white clothes will drive them away.

Avoid using scented soaps, perfumes, suntan lotions and other cosmetics when going outside.

Don't wear loose-fitting clothes so insects won't be able to get in them. Bare as little skin as possible.

Wear shoes instead of sandals.

Keep car windows closed.

If you're susceptible to insect bites, let someone else mow the lawn, trim the hedges and tend the flower garden.

Garbage cans should be cleaned regularly, sprayed with insecticide, and tightly closed.

When having a picnic, avoid staying near trees with plenty of ripe fruit.

The surest way to get rid of mosquitoes and other pests is to use an insecticide. Of the many products in the market today, which should you choose?

An important point to consider when buying an insecticide is that it should be deadly only to insects - not to man or the environment. Admittedly, that golden rule can be hard to follow since a very thin line separates efficacy from toxicity. While many insecticides can effectively rid your home of bugs, they are also suspected of causing cancer and other chronic effects. The long-term risks of others remain unknown.

The trick, therefore, is to choose the lesser evil. It's true that all insecticides have the potential to cause trouble if they aren't used properly. However, some products are less hazardous than others. The information in this article will, hopefully, help you make the right decision.

The most popular insecticide which is seldom used nowadays is dichlorodiphenyl - trichloro-ethane or DDT. It was first used in 1945 and became man's first line defense against malaria-carrying mosquitoes mainly because it is cheap, effective and readily available.

Concern about its possible carcinogenic effect, however, prompted the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban the use of this insecticide in 1972. Studies show that DDT is not only harmful to man, it is also an environmental hazard. It can accumulate in fish and affect the reproductive capabilities of birds and other animals. (Next: Other controversial insecticides.)








To strengthen your body against diseases that bugs bring, take Immunitril - your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For details, visit http://www.bodestore.com/immunitril.html

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com


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