How Insect Repellent Works

If you are heading outdoors, you know how aggravating bugs can be. The answer, of course, is to use insect repellent to keep them from biting. Ah, but how does insect repellent actually work?

Insect repellent is used as a catch-all term, but it really covers a subset of repellents based on their active ingredient used to keep the bugs off. There are chemical products based on ingredients such as DEET. There are also natural products using active ingredients such as Citronella and oils such as lemon eucalyptus. The chemical products tend to be toxic to some extent, so repellents with natural active ingredients are generally better for you.

Given the name, most people would assume insect repellent works by repelling mosquitoes, flies and so on. Some do, but some do not. Some insect repellents work by making you smell or taste bad to a bug. Other work by masking your skin odor. The process can be analogized to stealth plane technology. The bug uses its "radar" to identify tasty humans to bite, but you are hidden from the radar by the insect repellent.

If you wear insect repellent, it is important to understand there is a second reason you may get bit. While bugs are attracted to the odor of your skin, they are also attracted to another odor you give off. In this case, we are talking about the carbon dioxide in your breath.

Insect repellents tend to be effective over only short distances. As a result, you may see mosquitoes and other bugs flying fairly closely to you. This does not mean they are biting you, but it can lead to a sensation indicating they are. The best way to determine if you are being bit is to look at the spot where the sensation is occurring. If you are, then put more repellent on!

So, should you walk around lathered in insect repellent all day long? If you are in an area with a high concentration of bugs, then you should. That being said, the biggest risk time tends to be dusk or dawn. This is the feeding time for many bugs, particularly mosquitoes.

John Grimes is with All Terrain - makers of natural insect repellent for the outdoors.

What Are Some Plants That Repel Mosquitoes?

When enjoying your porch or patio in the evening, you might have some mosquito problems. Sprays can repel them. Candles can do the job as well getting rid of mosquito problems in the area. One solution to mosquito problems is planting plants that can help repel mosquitoes. Enough of these plants around your porch or other area that you like to enjoy yourself, you can have a natural barrier to mosquito problems.

Rosemary - This herb helps with mosquito problems. The issue with this plant is that it only grows well in hotter environments. If you are in a cold environment, you can get rosemary oil to help with the problem.

Marigolds - These plants have been used for insect problems for quite sometime. Organic gardeners have used these to repel aphids. Mosquitoes happen to not like this scent as well.

Catnip - This plant works a bit different because it's normally applied to the skin to repel mosquitoes. Grow it around your yard and from time to time use it on the skin if mosquitoes are in the area.

Citronella Grass - This plant is used for many natural mosquito repellents because of it's oil, citronella oil. This too is normally applied to the skin. It's also found in many commercial products for controlling mosquito issues.

Also consider growing these plants as they are effective against mosquitoes and other pests: garlic, peppermint, lemon balm, lavender, clove, eucalyptus, and ageratum.

Some plants work better when turned into oils that can be put on the skin or even burned to make an aroma that repels mosquitoes. Many of these scents and smells are found in some of the more natural mosquito control products. You can purchase the little pots that sit on your table to keep the mosquitoes away. They work to a certain degree but not always. Depends on how bad the mosquitoes are at that time.

While these might not be a total solution to mosquito problems, these plants will help. It's less likely mosquitoes are going to breed in areas heavy with scents that they don't like that much.

One way of controlling mosquito problems is with plants. Find out which plants can repel mosquito problems in your yard. Don't let the summer go without enjoying the outdoors in your yard. Being outside when the mosquitoes are being a pest can make the outdoors not very inviting. Using the plants will eliminate using the bug spray so much.

Phil has been writing articles for several years for his many websites on different subjects. His current project at http://www.officephonesystemsonline.com will help people choose office phone systems that meet their communications requirements for their office.

Animal and Insect Repellent - Keep Pests at Bay!

We all like to be popular, but sometimes enough is enough! When you and your household are drawing house guests that rip through your walls, leave unwanted gifts and generally make themselves at home, you can find yourself at your wits' end trying to get them to leave. While there is not much that you can do about your aunt Marge, your ant colony is a completely different story!

Animal and insect repellents are deterrents that are designed to keep specific creatures away from certain places, people or other animals. While this seems like a simple enough proposition, there are many different ways that a good repellent can keep your property safe and sound from a variety of different pests. Because each type of repellent is so specific and as there are so many different varieties, it will be wise for you to learn a little about repellents and how they work.

Despite what you may have heard, nearly any animal, no matter how wily or how immune, can be repelled in some way. There are many reasons why you may wish to keep certain animals off your property. Insects can be especially dangerous to your plant-life, whether you have a small garden or many acres of land to take care of. Similarly, you can have issues with stray dogs, coyotes, raccoons or possums, all animals that are known to be destructive and a nuisance to humans.

Some repellents are applied directly to the subject, in the form of sprays. Spray repellents are especially good for use against insects. As they are applied to skin, clothing and other surfaces, they can be carried around wherever the bearer pleases and thus result in a method of staying pest-free that doesn't involve carrying around heavy gear. This is an ideal choice for outdoor events like camping and fishing.

There are also mechanical methods of repellent. Most obvious is barbed wire, a metal wire with sharp spikes wound along its length. Barbed wire is ideal for situations on ranches and farms, when one is trying to keep coyotes away from your stock. Similarly, a fence can be electrified, further encouraging curious vermin to stay away. In a more suburban situation, you can have a sonic repellent that emits a sound in a such a high pitch that it is inaudible to humans, but quite painful to other animals, like stray dogs or feral cats.

For those seeking a more natural repellent, there are ways to make sure that the area you are trying to protect is an unattractive one to the pest in question. The urine of large predators is one way to keep your garden free of vermin: for example, the urine of a fox, will send most rabbits, squirrels and woodchucks packing!

Chemical repellents are also quite common, especially when used to combat insects. Essentially, a chemical repellent either masks the prey that a predator may be interested in or acts as an irritant to deter pests. Citronella and the oil of the lemon eucalyptus are both substances that can drive off mosquitoes. Meta-N,N-diethyl toluamide, more commonly known as DEET effectively blinds insects and makes them unable to detect nearby prey. In the case of stronger repellents, like permethrin, the chemical in question also acts as an insecticide.

Whatever your problem there's no need to play host to a variety of unpleasant party crashers. Read up on repellents and evict them today!

Franko Paul write for a number of websites that provide advice about animal repellent and insect repellent. He is a regular contributor to the Mr Repellent website.

A Look at Common Northwest Insects

Being in the Pacific Northwest is wonderful in the summer, when campers and hikers can relax in the cool shade of pine trees, listen to the sound of a trickling creek and enjoy the aroma of wild blackberries. What isn't wonderful, however, are the insects you encounter.

Prepare yourself for the dangerous insects you may encounter while hiking or camping in the Northwest with this guide to common outdoor pests:

Stinging Offenders: Bees and Wasps

Unless you're allergic to their bite or sting, bees and wasps are more annoying than they are dangerous. Good hiking safety practices include taking care around flowering flora, dead or hollow trees, and garbage cans. Do not tamper with hives or nests, as this may provoke bees and wasps to attack.

Avoid leaving food out in the open, as this will attract wasps. Some campers have found that laying out anti-static dryer sheets on a picnic table helps keep wasps away.

Itchy Offenders: Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are the insect people find most bothersome. Not only do their bites cause itching, but mosquitoes can transmit the West Nile virus. Wear a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and pants, especially if you're in an area famous for its pests.

Insect repellant is a must. Prevent bites to your hands and face by applying an insect repellant that's safe to use all over your body. Avoid areas with still water, such as ponds or small lakes.

Eight-Legged Offenders: Arachnids

While most of the Northwest's spiders are harmless, there are a couple of species to be aware of: the black widow and the brown recluse.

The black widow is recognizable by its black, glossy look and bulbous abdomen. The underside of its belly has an hourglass shape that's can range from red to orange or white. The black widow is a highly venomous spider - you'll instantly know if you are bitten by one.

The brown recluse spider is gray, brown or dark yellow in color. The top part of its body is bisected by a black line, giving the spider the appearance of a small violin. Although the brown recluse is shy, its bite can cause necrosis. It can take a couple of hours to feel the effects of this spider's bite.

Prevention is the best protection against spiders. One good camping safety practice is to use an LED flashlight when looking for items in the dark. Wear thick gloves when going through brush, collecting firewood or looking under rocks. Carefully examine your shoes and clothes before putting them on.

Blood-Sucking Offenders: Ticks

Ticks are nasty creatures that mostly live in trees. When these parasites see potential host, they jump on and bury their heads into the skin. Ticks can carry lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

The best chemical defense against ticks is an insect repellent containing DEET. In wooded areas, wear a hat, a long-sleeved shirt tucked into pants, and long pants tucked into socks or boots.

When all is said and done, insect repellent, the right clothes, good camping and hiking safety practices and a powerful LED flashlight are basic necessities for your Pacific Northwest bug-fighting arsenal.

~ Flora Richards-Gustafson, 2010

Flora Richards-Gustafson lives in Portland, Ore. and writes for Discount Lights and Knives.
Want to learn more about Northwest camping safety? Visit the DLK website to find out more about quality outdoor equipment like long-lasting LED lanterns, LED flashlights and survival tools.

Mosquitoes Quiver at the Sight of Insect Repellent Clothing

Insect repellent comes in a number of forms and for those in areas that have serious insect infestations, there is a need to know about all of them. Insect repellent clothing is one of the most effective ways to ensure your entire body is protected, but there are other methods of repelling insects, including personal sprays, wipes and patches and bands are other popular methods. The military has considered insect repellent clothing one of the requirements for those serving in adverse conditions because the technology exists.

The Permethrin saturated clothing that includes a DEET solution strong enough to do the job, but safe enough to wear, results in the combination of an ultrathon solution capable of withstanding the heat and sun that comes with many insect infested areas. There are many that consider working in safety netting the best option, and it is still an additional safety precaution that allows you to limit the amount of chemicals you need to use, but this type of clothing can protect those that work in adverse conditions where insect netting might not be a feasible option.

Even with repellent clothing, you will have other areas of skin that are exposed and you have to consider the sprays, wipes and other chemical possibilities to keep your skin protected from mosquitoes. While the insect repellent clothing that is treated with Permethrin will protect the majority of your body, you might need additional preventive measures. Presently there are personal repellent device options on the market which allow you to control the chemical exposure your comfortable with.

For those that are employed in outside jobs that require working in tropical areas, it is easy to understand the value of clothing and the other repellent options that are available. With the natural systems there are ones safer than using DEET which are quite effective. Citronella oil is a popular option, but there are other natural repellents that are quite effective and easily available.

The famous "bug zapper" is another form of insect eliminator that is chemical free. For additional combat devises there are the ones that are activated by motion, letting go a spray any time there is motion, those that release repellent every so many minutes and those you clip on your belt letting off an odor to repel the insects that are close enough to smell the odor.

No matter what your need may be there is a bug repellent devise that should satisfy your needs. While insect repellent clothing is one of the most popular methods that outdoor workers are considering, there are many other products available that employ a number of ideas for keeping pesky insects under control. Working outside in adverse conditions can leave you exposed to swarms of insect that are out of control where the presence of the West Nile virus could be present. For the best repellent options, you might want to consider insect repellent clothing or some other kind of personal repellent system to replace the chemical alternatives. There are organic insect repellents and natural ones to consider, as well.

If your about to venture into the wilderness this summer then head over to the authors website, where there are articles on the different types on insect repellent as well as the newest member of the repellent family, insect repellent clothing.

DEET Free Insect Repellent - Safe, Natural, and Effective

Bugs can kill a good time outside, but luckily there are natural ways to repel insects without the harmful DEET. The natural DEET free insect repellent is a safe way to keep your skin free of bugs, and it truly works.

If you weren't aware of dangers of DEET, you should know that DEET has been associated with brain cell damage in lab testing at Duke University. DEET has been shown to have a serious effect on the nervous system, inhibits the motor skills and possibly leads to memory dysfunction. The reasons that DEET hasn't been full-on banned is because it is regarded as necessary, when it in fact is NOT.

This chemical isn't quite as effective as many have made it out to be. Many store bought insect repellents have DEET listed as the active ingredients that helps to keep away the bugs. What it's actually doing is disguising your scent so bugs can't find you. What you may not know is that there are completely safe, natural alternatives to DEET bug sprays and insect repellents that lack the toxic chemicals. These products often use eucalyptus and lemon to repel insects. These two ingredients have been shown to be just as effective as those chemical bug sprays you might in stores, but just need to be reapplied a little sooner. A small price to pay to avoid some toxic chemicals!

If you're questioning whether or not DEET is really bad for you, think back to your childhood or anytime that you used DEET insect repellent. When you sprayed it on, it stunk. It made you choke, and you couldn't get it on your eyes and face. When you did, it was awful! There's no coincidence that it smells much like roach killer and other bug sprays. We just might be doing a lot more damage to ourselves and our children than we are repelling mosquitoes by using these chemical filled sprays.

Natural bug sprays are a safe and effective way to prevent disease carrying mosquitoes. Put your mind at ease and prevent the possible infection of West Nile Virus and other serious mosquito borne illnesses without the exposure to DEET.

Read more about DEET free natural insect repellents, or click to purchase this insect repellent today to get it shipped right to your door. It's the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about chemicals or biting bugs!

Insect Repellent - Why We Need One

There are many insects that we encounter every day, most of them are contagious of deadly bacteria, and most common diseases are insect borne such as: malaria, Lyme disease, Dengue fever. Pest animals commonly serving as vectors for disease include the insect's flea, fly, and mosquito. More and more people are being threatened by these deadly contagious insects, and insect repellent have become of their medium to personally protect themselves through these viruses. With the outbreaks, it has been a need to buy an insect repellent to avoid contact with insects that could bring you these viruses, most victims are often children.

An insect repellent is a substance that is applied to our skin, clothing, or some surfaces where insects may land to. Due to some outbreaks, it became an eye opener to create products that could possibly prevent and control the spread of the virus. There are many manufacturers who offer different kinds of repellent in the market, some of these products are also available based on sound production, some skin repellents are liquid or even like lotion based. These substances can irritate our skin but they are well developed over time. Not everyone loves to wear a lotion on a very humid condition. But it is advised to have these; you don't want to risk your health for comfort.

Regardless of which insect repellent, it is always best to read the label and directions should be carefully followed. Usages of these insect repellents vary from country to country. Some of these substances are not recommended to be used by children. A test of various insect repellents found out that the most effective kind is the one with a natural active ingredient. Most of the repellents that have natural ingredients provide you protection for insects for almost 2-3 hours; however, reapplication may still be needed from time to time. Before buying a product, you can check online reviews and comments from people who have used the items, since it's a little pricey; you don't want to get the product that will give you the least protection.

It would help to know the most important factor to consider when choosing an insect repellant spray. Insectrepellant.co.cc will give you more information about that as well as give you more information about natural insect repellent, repellent insect sprays and much more.

Deet Free Insect Repellent Vs Regular Insect Repellent - Which One is Better?

There is a new product out now by a lot of manufacturing products which are a broad spectrum of picaridin products. It is 20 percent picaridin, which is going to be a little bit stronger. You're not going to have to apply it quite as frequently and they often advertise that it's a very good product. All of these companies have been making picaridin for quite some time. Most of them are at 15 percent, they also make a 7 percent product.

One thing with insect repellent that you want to always consider that they haven't brought up previously, is that you never want to use an aerosol if you can possibly avoid it. An aerosol in order for it to spray, it is gong to have alcohol in it. And if you think about what alcohol does to the pores of your skin, alcohol dilutes the pores of your skin, and that's going to increase the absorption rate of the active ingredient in your repellent. And you don't want it to absorb in your skin, you want it to float on top of your skin. So if you ever use an insect repellent along with a sunscreen. Put the sunscreen on first, let it absorb into your skin and then float your insect repellent on top of your skin.

On the other hand, one of the most effective methods of repelling mosquitoes is deet. A lot of people are afraid of deet, because it does melt plastic and you would not want to use deet with, if you're going to be handling fishing line, you don't want to spray it on mosquito netting. You don't want to put it on,if you have a plastic or rubberized watch band. But, deet has been around for 50 years and it has never killed anybody, it has never made anybody seriously ill. The only possible issue with deet is you might get a liitle skin irritation if you are allergic to it. But, deet is the most effective method of repelling mosquitoes.

Deet comes in many, many different formats and many, many different concentrations. You can go from 100 percent deet, which is really about ninety percent deet. You have controlled released products as well which is usually a polymer encapsulated deet molecule, so it wears off at different times during the application.

One application of this particular product will last for 8 to 12 hours. You also have a product which includes an additional chemical which takes care of no see ums and biting flies. And then, you have wipes. So these are the various types of deet that you can use, and when you combine deet with permethrin on your clothing, it is pretty much bulletproof protection against insects.

Wondercide has dedicated themselves to discovering the secret to top quality organic pesticides. Today, this company proudly offer professional techniques and advice on how to eliminate biting, flying, and burrowing insects by using only the best organic pesticide

Best Mosquito Repellent

Have you ever owned an electronic insect repellent? If you had, did you have it long enough to enjoy all the benefits? Many persons haven't tried them because they think they do not work. For those of you who go camping as frequently as I do let me assure you that investing in an electronic insect repellent will be cost effective and a good alternative to spray repellent.

Information always makes things clearer. Let us look at the three main reasons why anyone should have an electronic insect repellent.

Firstly, it is not as harsh on the body as spray repellents. As a matter of fact, it does not even come in contact with the body. I agree with you that the sprays work very well, I won't dispute that, but I also want to inform you that the electronic repellent does a better job, and all you need is a battery.

Secondly, you save money when you purchase the electronic repellent because you only need to change the batter once per year. It is very quiet, you won't even know when the device is running. For persons who have an allergy to spray repellent this is an excellent alternative especially in camping surroundings.

Finally, there is no smell like when you use the spray. After showering at camp, for example, you won't have to worry about sprays and those annoying bugs.

Stop and think about these reasons. Evaluate the pros and cons and use them for good measure. If you have time to think, you will realize that there are good reasons why you should try to own an electronic repellent. Are you convinced?

In all seriousness, examine the reasons. Do you find the reasons to be practical? Don't these conditions apply to you? Maybe you really need to get an electronic repellent?

R. Jacquez Has been writing articles for three years now. His Newest interest is in Flea control, so make sure you visit his newest website where he gives you all the information you need to get rid of those pesky fleas.

Mosquitoes After the Floods

Over the past few months or so, the upper and mid-western states of the US have been hammered with record rain and floods right into the summer season. These massive amounts of water, combined with the dirt, debris, animal carcass', trash and other materials floating in the remains of homes, businesses, hotels and other affected premises, have given the survivors of these flood zones much to contend with as the water subsides.

One of the major problems currently being faced by rescue workers and locals alike is the inundation of very aggressive mosquitoes. Some reports estimate the mosquito population in these flood-torn areas as high as 20 times more than the same period last year. And although these particular mosquitoes currently do not carry any disease (such as West Nile Virus), it is predicted that, as per the timing of WNV each year, this could well turn into a catastrophe rivaling the floods themselves.

Traditionally, rescue workers in areas affected by mosquitoes would plaster themselves with a well known, but potentially dangerous chemical called DEET. Found in most popular insect repellents, DEET has been proven effective since World War II in keeping mosquitoes away and comes in either a spray, lotion or gel form. However, in situations such as this, where the very people who need protection are forced to work in and around water for days, weeks and months, DEET easily washes away from skin and clothing, leaving the wearer without any protection at all. In fact, any repellent in liquid form will do the same thing - no matter how well it works.

Solid, all natural repellents that are waterproof - such as Bug Bam - are key to the successful protection of rescue workers and residents from aggressive mosquitoes and, ultimately, the potential of contracting deadly disease from mosquito attacks. Not only does a product such as Bug Bam offer protection when wet or dry, but it removes the concerns of toxic chemicals (such as DEET) being added to the already dirtied landscape. In fact, when a Bug Bam wristband or grid has expired (after 100 hours), it can be easily recycled by sending it back to the manufacturer. Something no other repellent on the market can offer.

So if you're one of the many thousands affected by these floods, related to someone who is, or kindly helping those that are, remember that a liquid repellent not only needs re-application every 2 to 3 hours, but loses all effectiveness as soon as you get it wet. Bug Bam keeps working for you whether it's wet or dry. Perfect for the post-flood cleanup.

Joseph M. Symond is an Australian humanitarian, explorer and inventor of Bug Bam Products LLC. He is often called upon by the media for input and advice on personal vector control. Bug Bam offers a range of all-natural repelling products that have been scientifically tested and proven effective in repelling disease carrying mosquitoes from humans and pets.

Have a Safe and Protected Outdoor Activity With OMEZONE Insect Repellent Patch

If you want to constantly live safely and dynamically, it is advised that you make use of a mosquito repellent as a simple way of repelling mosquitoes away from you. Mosquito repellents keep away mosquitoes from people to which they are obviously paying attention to. Numerous ideas and even theories subsist to give explanation on the reasons why humans are a magnet for mosquitoes - from the scent of the skin to the smell of the carbon dioxide people exhale. But whatever the reasons are, still, mosquitoes come across humans without problems. To make matters worse, mosquitoes can swiftly turn a happy outdoor fun into a painful and even disturbing and upsetting experience.

However, when you use a mosquito repellent, the biting insects are held off. By means of insect repellent, you can get hold of an exceptional and trouble-free means to keep yourself and your family more relaxed, at ease and out of the reach of the biting insects whilst spending time together in your grand outdoor activities.

There are a lot of products that can give you the shield against insect bites. But not all of them work as they promise you. Only few products can give you the utmost satisfaction and protection that you and your family ought to have.

One of the effective insect repellent products in the marketplace today is the OMEZONE Insect Repellent Patch. It works like magic. With a simple application of the OMEZONE Insect Repellent Patch on any hairless portion of your body, you can already be protected from the irritating bites of the mosquitoes and other insects. It generates an unnoticeable and impenetrable protection in opposition to the ailing effects of mosquitoes and the sickness they may bring.

By using and applying this

patch, these maddening and bothersome insects will recognize that youre safeguarded and protected so they will quickly move away and leave you on your own! The outcomes of this OMEZONE Insect Repellent Patch could carry on up to thirty-six hours even on hot and humid weather conditions.

Different studies and researches have revealed that the Thiamine (Vitamin B1), the major element in OMEZONE Insect Repellent Patch can certainly help repel insects such as mosquitoes and flies when topically applied and used to any hairless portion of the body prone to insect-bites. The thiamine-based ingredient of this Patch functions with the system's personal chemistry to produce an imperceptible protective shield that defends you from mosquito bites and all other irritating and annoying insect bites.

OMEZONE Insect Repellent Patch has no pesticides such as Deet. Deet is known to be unsafe for childrens use as it contains elements that have unfavorable effects to the health. It is absolutely out of harms way and is already proven and permitted for use in children. Furthermore, you can apply and make use of this product anytime, anywhere at your own convenience. It is truly a very effective and safe insect repellent skin patch ever.

OMEZONE Insect Repellent Patch can give you the shield against insect bites. It can give you the satisfaction and protection that you and your family ought to have. Check it out: OMEZONE Insect Repellent Patch

Mosquitoes - Controlling These Unwelcome Summer Pests

Ah, the pleasures of summer time! The sun setting over a beautiful lake, graduation parties, outdoor weddings, picnics with out-of-town family and friends, a ball game complete with peanuts and cracker jacks...does life get any better? Perhaps we are all forgetting one thing: the joys of summer also bear the baggage of unwelcome visitors: mosquitoes! Mosquitoes can potentially drive any of these fun activities indoors.

Mosquitoes Carry Disease

Several problems arrive along with the invasion of mosquitoes. These bloodthirsty nuisances are not only annoying and disruptive but also potentially very dangerous. According to North Carolina State's Department of Entomology, "Mosquitoes are important pests because their biting activity often interferes with outdoor activities and can transmit disease organisms to people and domestic animals."1

According to the American Mosquito Control Association, "Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism -- over one million people die from mosquito-borne diseases every year."3 Mosquitoes spread diseases to humans and animals alike. The AMCA continues to explain that the diseases that afflict particularly dogs "include dog heartworm, West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE)."3 Diseases more commonly affecting humans include malaria, West Nile Virus, dengue, encephalitis, and yellow fever. Additionally, the mosquitoes' saliva causes skin irritation resulting in those uncomfortable red bumps that form after a bite.

Tips for Treating Mosquito Bites

The first thing that should be done upon receipt of a mosquito bite is to wash the affected area with warm water and soap to rid the area of any bacteria and provide temporary itching relief. The application of Calamine lotion is helpful in relieving the itching or burning sensation resulting from mosquito bites. Cool compresses, antihistamines, and other anti-inflammatory medications are often successful in alleviating symptoms of mosquito bites as well. The temptation to scratch the affected area should be resisted, and if the bite victim feels dizzy or nauseated, they should seek medical attention immediately as these could be signs of an allergic reaction.5

How Mosquitoes Multiply

Water is necessary to the lifecycle of a mosquito. Therefore, habitats that are prone to hurricanes or heavy rainfall are often invaded largely by these pests. Mosquitoes are less likely to abide in areas with ponds or creeks if they contain fish and are free of weeds or other traps where they can hide. Generally mosquitoes remain within a mile of their birthplace, but mosquitoes also can travel far from breeding sites, abounding even in much drier surroundings. Though mosquitoes generally only live 2-3 weeks, they multiply rapidly because less than a half-cup of water is sufficient for their reproduction. Females produce 100 to 300 eggs with each pregnancy, often laying several thousand eggs in a single short lifetime.

Mosquito Prevention Measures

You may ask: why are mosquitoes drawn to humans? Mosquitoes are enticed to humans first by the carbon dioxide that is exhaled. Once the mosquitoes sense this, they are further drawn to their victim by other factors such as sweat and body odor. Wearing perfume, drinking beer, and certain foods add extra advertisements for a mosquito to use your body as a feeding spot.

Certain areas of property attract mosquitoes more strongly because of their ability to retain water. Common objects to monitor include drainage ditches, trash, old tires, rain barrels, unused or poorly maintained pools, birdbaths, barbecue grills, and other items that provide easy access to water. To prevent unnecessary excess swarms of mosquitoes, be sure to clean and maintain your property well. Remove obstructions in drainage ditches, clear gutters, and remove any unnecessary water gatherings.

Repellents are useful for keeping mosquitoes from directly contacting your skin. However, they are less effective at keeping them from swarming in the air near the body, and these repellents can be harmful if used too often.

Citronella candles are often used as another effort to keep mosquitoes away. They benefit the most during times of little wind so the chemical does not spread too quickly or the flame does not blow out.

Such measures as ensuring that your home is properly sealed with tight screens and properly fitted windows and doors will help protect your home from uninvited company. Since bats and purple martins feed on mosquitoes, installing boxes near the house will also encourage their residence and help keep mosquitoes away.

For those who are reluctant to provide for such creatures as bats, the use of a mosquito net may be just what the doctor ordered. Mosquito nets can provide protection for outdoor picnic areas, gazebos, patios, dog pens, or stables. Additionally, mosquito netting can be fortified with chemicals that kill mosquitoes once they land on them.

Since mosquitoes depend on flower nectar and fruit juices for energy, keeping flowers farther from picnic areas or other popular outdoor gathering spots may help ward off their presence. Additionally, being mindful of keeping lids on fruit salads or consuming such foods first may prevent further problems.

Finally, to experience maximum pleasure from outdoor activities, select clothing should be worn. Light-colored, loosely fitting clothing is the least attractive to mosquitoes since they are drawn to dark colors that form tightly to the body allowing easy access to the skin.

To summarize the options for preventing and getting rid of mosquitoes:

- Use mosquito repellents

- Use citronella candles

- Seal your home with tight screens, windows, and doors

- Surround your activity with mosquito netting

- Wear light colors

- Eliminate standing water

- Attract bats and purple martins

Paul Galla

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/mosquito.htm


http://www.co.jackson.ms.us/DS/MosquitoControl.html


http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-information/mosquito-borne.aspx


[http://www.ivyhall.district96.k12.il.us/4TH/KKHP/1INSECTS/mosquito.html]

http://www.tinymosquito.com/bitetreatment.html

Paul Galla, President

Bird Guard Bird Control Products

http://www.birdguard.com

Natural Insect Repellents - Safe and Effective

Insect repellent sprays are applied to the skin and clothing to discourage insects from landing on that surface. The use of repellents can help prevent and control outbreaks of insect-borne diseases. Many insects carry and spread diseases such as West Nile fever, Lyme disease, bubonic plague, and others. Some repellents are very effective against pests, but contain synthetic ingredients that can be unsafe for humans. Natural insect repellents are highly effective, nontoxic alternatives that do not contain harmful synthetic ingredients.

One of the most common active ingredients found in synthetic insect repellents is DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET is a powerful insecticide used in over 400 products. Although DEET is very effective as an insect repellent, its safety record is questionable. When applied directly on the skin, over half of DEET is absorbed into the bloodstream. It can cause side effects such as skin rashes, muscle spasms, nausea, lethargy, and irritability. Severe reactions can cause seizures or death. DEET is a moderate pesticide and studies have shown that it may not be safe for use in and around water sources. Therefore, the health concerns from use of DEET far outweigh its effectiveness against insects.

Natural, safe, and effective alternatives to DEET are available. Insect repellents can be made with organic, all natural ingredients that are not unsafe for humans. These products are made from naturally occurring sources that repel certain insects. Some of these ingredients act as insecticides, while others only repel pests. These natural insect repellents are made primarily from essential oils derived from plant sources. Most natural repellents are just as effective as DEET, and they have a huge advantage because the ingredients are not toxic to humans.

Insect repellents work by using a fragrance that insects naturally avoid. This odor helps to mask the human scent that initially attracts insects. Most natural insect repellents contain the aromatic oil of citronella. Citronella is an essential oil obtained from the leaves of the plant Cymbopogon. Its lemon-like fragrance is pleasant to most people, but offensive to mosquitoes and other insects. Citronella has been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a non-toxic pesticide.

Other aromatic essential oils commonly found in natural insect repellents include lavender, rosemary, peppermint, cedarleaf, lemongrass, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, and bergamot. Research has also shown that neem oil is an effective repellent for mosquitoes. Other volatile plant oils that work well as natural repellents are cinnamon, castor, cedar, clove, geranium, pine, basil, thyme, and garlic. Soybean oil has no direct insect repellent activity, but it is often used as a fixative to extend the shorter duration of action of some essential oils. Products containing multiple natural repellents tend to be more effective for more insects than those containing only a single ingredient.

Most natural repellents contain water in place of alcohol as the carrier base. Water is less volatile and does not evaporate as quickly as alcohol. Water has less dermal absorption, which leaves more repellent on the skin. Water based products will last longer because there is less need to reapply. Also, many people are sensitive to the strong aroma of alcohol, so the water-based products have a more pleasant smell.

The use of insect repellents can help control and prevent outbreaks of insect-borne diseases. Many insects carry and spread diseases such as West Nile fever, Lyme disease, and bubonic plague. Natural, organic insect repellents that do not contain harmful synthetic ingredients are available, and are just as effective. Many repellent products also serve a dual purpose and contain sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun as well as from insects.

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Secret Insect Repellent - Mosquitoes Don't Like Listerine

It's that time of year again for summer barbecues and picnics with your family and friends. Then there are those who are not invited! I think you know what pests I'm talking about. Your very friendly mosquitoes who love barbecues as much if not more than we do! Now you can kill both germs and mosquitoes with Listerine and keep your summer free of the little pests !!!

Mosquito Spray....Worth a try

I was at a deck party awhile back, and the bugs were having a ball biting everyone. A man at the party sprayed the lawn and deck floor with Listerine, and the little demons disappeared. The next year I filled a 4-ounce spray bottle and used it around my seat whenever I saw mosquitoes. And voila! That worked as well. It worked at a picnic where we sprayed the area around the food table, the children's swing area, and the standing water nearby. During the summer, I don't leave home without it.......Pass it on.

OUR FRIEND'S COMMENTS: I tried this on my deck and around all of my doors. It works - in fact, it killed them instantly. I bought my bottle from Target and it cost me $1.89. It really doesn't take much, and it is a big bottle, too; so it is not as expensive to use as the can of Bug-spray you buy that doesn't last 30 minutes. So, try this, please. It will last a couple of days. Don't spray directly on a wood door (like your front door), but spray around the frame. Spray around the window frames, and even inside the dog house.

For more great tips and ideas visit our blog at: http://planetgreenenergy.blogspot.com/.

Green Pest Control in the Form of Natural Insect Repellents - Are They Worth It?

There are a couple of different formulas that insect repellents are available in. One of them is lotions, the other being sprays. Sprays break down in a couple of different formats. You have the pump sprays and you also the aerosol. As we discussed earlier, aerosol is not the best format because aerosol does not contain alcohol. Alcohol dilutes the pores of your skin, which increases the absorption of the active ingredient in your insect repellent into your skin, and you don't want that to happen. You want the insect repellent to float on top of your skin, because once it absorbs down in there, it becomes ineffective.

If basic mechanical motion doesn't work, then you must consider "gentle" controls just like repellents, soaps and natural oils that have little or no impact on the surroundings and beneficial bugs when only applied to the pest bug. For instance, organic neem oil spray is now popular to protect garden plants from nibbling pesky insects and fungal diseases. Use it to manage bugs and termites just like whitefly, aphids and scale. It also regulates fungal diseases like black spot, rust, mildew in addition to scab. Neem degrades quickly with UV light, so it has less of an effect on beneficial organisms as compared to more traditional pesticides.

These two particular sprays, the pump sprays are all oil based so they're going to be a little greasy, a little oily on your skin. The 100 percent deet obviously is like the mac-daddy, it really, really, really works with mosquitoes but it is a little bit oily. The two lotion based are more skin friendly, they go on, they have a lower odor and they don't stink as badly just like your typical insect repellent odor. Another thing is that they are a little more skin friendly, in terms of how they feel on your skin but they all work in certain application. The one that we do not recommend of course, is the alcohol based, the aerosol, which you can't take on a plane anyways. So that pretty much sums up the different formats.

The question is, is it really okay to put this stuff on your kids? Obviously as would be the case with you, you would not want to apply this everyday, over an extended period of time. Most of them even say that you can is this product "occasionally". They are wrong. If you're going to actually be out for a while, it is not at all advisable to put these products on your child.

You don't want to think of it as being safe to use at all, as much as you want to. When you think about risk assessment, people would say "so what is the risk of being bitten by an insect that is going to cause a disease or an illness? This product is way worse than that even! The mere fact that you are putting a chemical on your child's skin is dangerous enough to be a precaution before actually using this stuff. That is the main reason for a person to make an educated decision on whether to use this or not.

Wondercide has dedicated themselves to discovering the secret to top quality organic insecticide. Today, this company proudly offer professional techniques and advice on how to eliminate biting, flying, and burrowing insects by using only the best green pest control

Wasp Zappers and Other Insect Removing Solutions!

Anyone who has been out enjoying the sunshine will realise that wasps (and many other insects) are out and about too! There are many ways to deal with the problem of wasps buzzing around but one of the most effective is a Wasp Trap Bag.

This bag catches & kills wasps in outdoor areas such as patios & decking and being in such a well used area in Summer it is safe to use in places where children and pets are, plus very simple and highly effective! Also of importance to many people - it won't harm the bees!

* Highly effective

* Easy to use - just add water

* Safe to use around children & pets

* Lasts for up to 3 months

* Will not attract or harm bees!

A particularly good insect repellent product to take away with you is an Insect Repelling Wristband.

Bug Bands come in a variety of colours and really are the easy & effective way to repel mosquitoes, flies, gnats etc. Wear on wrists, ankles, belt loops or back packs. Why? Because they are:

* A natural & effective insect repellent

* Water resistant

* Deet free

* Safe for the entire Family

* Effective for up to 120 hours when kept in the resealable container

One happy customer recently said:

I have used this product before in India, Argentina and Italy and it definitely works for me. I either have no bites or the odd minor one which doesn't itch. I wear them 24 hours a day and I also use an anti-mosquito aftersun lotion. I have recommended them to a friend who always gets bitten quite badly and for the first time she has had a bite-free holiday.For effective solutions to get rid of those buzzers do click on the link to find out more there are so many ways to relax in peace without being interrupted by these pests or even worse being bitten!

Liz Hargreaves

For more great homecare tips and products visit: Caraselle Direct. Why not also sign up to the newsletter for great advice and monthly discounts: Caraselle Direct Newsletter. Caraselle Direct is an online shopping website full of great homecare solutions.

Insect Repellents - How to Never Get Bitten Again

Types of Insect Repellents

There are different types of insect repellents available. Some of them are made from natural sources like plants while some contain chemicals and are made synthetically. Normally synthetic repellents prove to be more lasting and effective. Yet, there are few plant-based repellents like natural herb mosquito coil and essential oil candle. These plant-based repellents are much better than synthetic repellents.

Common insect repellents include:

o DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)

o Neem (Azadirachta indica) oil

o Icaridin or picaridin,

o Oil of lemon eucalyptus

o Nepetalactone, popular as 'catnip oil'

o Citronella oil

o Permethrin

o Basil

o Camphor

o Castor oil

o Thyme

o Peppermint

o Fennel oil

o Rosemary

Working of Insect Repellents

Insect repellents do not kill insects. Instead, these repellents reduce your exposure to harmful insects. Most repellents work by masking your body odor. Applying insect repellents on your exposed skin changes your body odor to the insects in such a way that insects repel at your odor and hence move away. You thereby remain safe from outbreak of any insect-borne diseases.

Normally, insects, bugs, and mosquitoes use their feelers to identify human odor. As repellents change your body odor and you remain protected from insects, it is necessary to reapply repellents soon after a swim or if you sweat excessively. Most insect repellents deliver results only over a specific radius. Hence, even if you are wearing any repellent, you can see bugs and mosquitoes flying near you. However, they do not bite you.

Normally, insect repellents having a higher percentage of active ingredients like N-diethyl-meta-toluamide or DEET, Picaridin, or KBR 3023 provide longer hours of protection. Permethrin is a specific exclusion. This repellent is actually a contact insecticide but proves effective against insect bites.

Precautionary Tips

Most insect repellants are safe for use. You can even use these repellents on skin of children. However, take care to apply only small amounts and preferably do not apply on hands of children, as it could lead to accidental ingestion or eye contact. Also, do not allow children to apply repellents by themselves. Keep repellents out of the reach of children.

You can apply sunscreen after applying insect repellent or the other way round. It is best to follow instructions for application as specifically mentioned. Nonetheless, do not combine sunscreen and insect repellent in a single bottle as both are two completely different substances. Again, you cannot apply repellent as frequently as you use sunscreen.

Sometimes, repellents could cause skin irritation. You should immediately restrict use of the specific repellent. You can try using repellent with lesser concentration of chemical. If irritation persists, it is best to stop use of repellent completely. Pregnant women should take care to avoid exposures to insect repellent as much as possible as the fetus may be vulnerable.

You should read the label of your repellent product carefully before use. Labels and directions for use differ across countries. Manufacturers specifically issue warning labels on repellents that are not safe for use on children.

You need to protect yourself against insect bites through use of insect repellent specifically at dusk and dawn as this is the main feeding time for most insects, bugs, and mosquitoes.

Elena Semick writes for RepelAll.com - a repellents related information resource and online community. Visit http://www.repelall.com to protect your family and enjoy in your outdoors activities by applying various insect repellents.

Insect Repellants

Just to clarify, insect repellants do not kill insects. They repel them. They hold off, fend off, and ward off insects, specifically mosquitoes. Insects repellants help reduce exposure to harmful mosquitoes, thus minimizing the risk of acquiring deadly ailments.

Insect repellants work by decreasing the skin odor of a person making him unappealing to the insect's senses. Insect repellants should be applied and re-applied after swimming or sweating.

Insect repellants that have a higher percentage of the active ingredients provide longer protection. These active ingredients are chemically known as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide or DEET and KBR 3023 or Picardin. Based on a study conducted in 2002, products containing 23.8% DEET provide protection for 5 hours. 20% DEET provides 4 hours of protection. 6.65% provides 2 hours of protection, and so on and so forth. In short, the lesser the concentration, the less protection it provides.

In some rare cases, the use of insect repellants can cause skin irritation. Immediately stop the use of this product and find an insect repellant with a lesser concentration of the mentioned chemical substance. If irritation still persists, completely stop using insect repellants.

Since insect repellants are often used outdoors, another main concern is if people can also apply sunscreen when they have already applied repellants and vice-versa. Simply follow the instruction on the proper usage and application of both. However, the combination of both insect repellant and sunscreen in one bottle is not highly advisable because the use of these two different substances is totally different. You do not reapply your insect repellant as often as you reapply your sunscreen so be extremely careful in case you have seen a product that offers this feature.

Insects [http://www.e-Insects.com] provides detailed information on Insects, Insect Repellants, Insect Bites, Dangerous Insects and more. Insects is affiliated with Ring Worm.

Our Concerns On Mosquitoes West Nile Virus

Coming from a pretty cold and bleak corner of the globe, I didn't really know what a mosquito looked like until I went on my backpacking tour of North America back in the early 2000's. Up until then, I had no experience with the little blighters, let alone know what harms they could cause. Well, the mosquitoes West Nile Virus (WNV), soon woke me up to the dangers of these tiny menaces.

The mosquitoes West Nile Virus was the talk of the back packing circuit and although I found it exciting to begin with, the novelty soon wore off when I realized that mosquitoes were as attracted to me as kids are to candy.

As one of my friendly traveling companions pointed out it's a numbers game. "The more times you get bitten, the greater the chances are of contracting the deadly mosquitoes West Nile Virus" he said. He also went on to say that thousands of Americans have already contracted the virus, thousands more have it but as yet are undetected, and more than 500 have died because of it at the time of our conversation. Yes, my backpacking buddy was certainly a cheerful chapie, but despite his gloomy outlook, I had to quickly become an expert at preventing and treating mosquito bites if nothing else.

There were a lot of seasoned travelers around and so tips on repelling insect bites were in abundance. Some carried remedies for soothing the irritation of bites which included the world famous calamine lotion. More savvy conscious travelers used baking sodas. One guy pointed out that if you don't relieve an irritating bite, you will find yourself scratching it and that could aggravate it more. He showed me where a tiny mozzie bite on his calf had turned into a tropical ulcer because of this. He told me it got so bad that he had to be hospitalized in order to treat if properly.

It was becoming apparent to me that the mosquitoes West Nile Virus was not the only concern I should have and so I listened intently to further tips from these 'non-medical professionals'. Another bizarre suggestion was to use the hot head of a mach stick to reduce the itch issue. I was informed that this method was also good at removing ticks from under the skin. Obviously one has to be careful not to get burnt using such methods! The trick here seems to be a quick tap with the hot match head directly on the bite.

A few other remedies were worth noting but not really useful to the travelers medical tool kit. One such treatment was an oatmeal bath mix and another was to rest an ice cube on the bite. A little more out of the ordinary was the application of clear nail polish which is supposed to really take the irritation out of the itch.

But knowing what I'd learnt about the mosquitoes West Nile Virus, I was all ears for preventative measures and so got educated pretty quickly on insect repellents. Now the trick with these is to purchase a small amount of repellant from your home country as a temporary solution, but as soon as you are able, you need to buy from the country you're traveling in. The reason is simple. Whether you're in North America, Africa, Asia, or wherever, they know what works best for the area and quite often their repellents are far more effective than what you would probably buy back home.

Citrus seems to play an important role in repellents and I found that Citronella Oil was absolutely fantastic at keeping the pests away. Many travelers also carry an ultra lightweight and compact mosquito net in their packs for when they're sleeping.

Whether it's the mosquitoes West Nile Virus, Malaria, Dengue Fever or just some irritating bite, it's important to know what preventative measures to take. These basically involve covering up, using repellents, and sleeping under a net. Remember, simple prevention techniques are much better than curing infections, so practice prevention over cure wherever possible.

Andy Maingam is an expert writer for BloodIssues.com where he writes on such issues as High Blood Pressure Causes and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He also has other blood related articles on the site.

Preventions And Remedies For Insect Bites And Stings

Insect bites can happen anytime and at any place which can cause either minor or major illnesses. Usual bites that we encounter came from ants, mosquitoes, cockroaches, ticks, bees and spiders. Although most of them don't possess serious health threats, you must still be cautious about this little bugs and know different home remedies for immediate self treatment.

Most of these insects are active at night because they are some what allergic to sunlight. Warm weather is another factor that causes this bugs to be more active and much likely to have physical contact with humans. They are usually found in messy areas of the house like kitchen, garage and the garden.

Mosquito bites for example seems so harmless. But there are kinds of mosquitoes who are carriers of deadly viruses like the dengue virus and the West Nile virus. Meanwhile, a bee sting and a cockroach bite can only cause skin allergic reactions but severe cases of allergic reactions are highly possible and could be deadly.

Below are some of the known bite symptoms of outdoor insects and bugs.

Itchiness

Swelling of the skin

Redness of the bite area

Fever

Chilling

Allergic reactions

Lyme disease

Rashes

Abdominal pain

Muscle cramps

Headache

Dizziness

Bacterial infections

To keep your household bug free and prevent frequent insect contact, you can restructure your house to ensure that it can effectively repel bugs. Use refined screens and netting in your windows and doors as defensive barriers for any types of bugs. Avoid walking in grass and stagnant areas of the house, spiders and other bug crawlers live in these areas.

Clean your backyard, garden, garage and your kitchen to avoid being colonized by different insects. All areas must stay dry at all times and keep the bad and stinky odors thoroughly. Bad odors can attract flies and other common house bugs.

To repel mosquitoes, use light colored shirts because mosquitoes hate objects that can make them visible. Wear long sleeves, hat and pants when outside the house, this can help avoid mosquito bites and bee sting. Don't use too much perfumes and scented soaps, it can help attract bees.

Another simple prevention is to use insect repellent lotion. Apply lotion to your exposed skin when going out. Insect repellent lotions are very effective in repelling bugs but take extra care when applying to children. Don't ever spread it to palms and places near the face because it might be inhaled which is bad for the health. Sprays are also ideal and best to apply it on clothes and not on the skin.

After returning home, it is highly recommended to wash your skin with soap and water to remove the harmful chemicals of insect repellent products.

Now there are different types of treatment for insect bites. Below are some tips on how to deal with insect bites.

1. For bee sting, scrape the stinger away in a side to side motion with any straight edged object such as a knife. Be careful upon pulling the stinger, it might push the venom more into the sin. This are also effective for a tick bite.

2. For other bug bites, a warm or hot bath can help ease the affected area. An insect bite is a spam like symptoms so hot water bath are more beneficial.

3. Wash the affected area with antibacterial liquid soap and rinse thoroughly. The apply antiseptic ointments to reduce the risk of complications.

4. Rub an aspirin tablet to the affected area to reduce the itching. Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties which helps reduce inflammation and itchiness. Never apply this treatment to those who has allergic reactions to aspirin.

5. Oral antihistamines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also provide itching and pain relief.

6. Regular household products like salt and baking soda are effective in reducing the swelling of an insect bite. Dissolve both with water and make a paste like lotion to spread into the affected area.

7. For spider and cockroach bites, wash the bite with soap and water and immediately apply antiseptic treatment. Ice pack can help slow the absorption of the venom. Most spider bites are not deadly except for black widow, brown recluse and tarantula spiders.

Take note that all this tips are general remedies for normal insect bites. Severe complications may occur with insect bites from black widow spider, brown recluse spider, scorpion and other poisonous insects. Immediate medical attention must be done once bitten. Time is important when dealing with bug stings and insect bites, so be cautious and take extra careful inside and out of your house. Serious diseases or even death can be prevented if you know the steps on how to prevent and treat this simple injuries.

About the author

Noah Mark Rodolfo is an alternative natural healthcare practitioner and is committed to bring the best health and wellness information online. Get the most updated news about health, diseases, weight loss and proper nutrition on his website at Health and Wellness.

Fight Off Mosquitoes Naturally and Easily With This Eco-Friendly Recipe

Summer is here and along with summer comes those pesky, irritating, mosquitoes. While there are many effective insect repellents on the market, there are also home remedies that are just as effective and eco-friendly. Furthermore, home remedies have by far a more pleasant scent than any store bought insect repellent. Rather than smelling like a chemical lab with store bought insect repellents consider pleasing fragrances such as lavender, lemongrass or eucalyptus to repel mosquitoes.

Common essential oils for mosquitoes are: Cinnamon, Lemon Eucalyptus or regular Eucalyptus, Citronella, and Lemongrass.

Recipe: In a spray bottle, mix 20 to 25 drops of of one of the following: cinnamon, eucalyptus, citronella, or lemongrass along with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil such as olive oil, and shake well. Apply directly onto your skin and clothing, avoiding the sensitive area around the eyes.

Another way to repel insects when you are out enjoying nature is to add a few drops of oil to your shampoo and liquid soap. The aroma of the oil will offset the added perfumes and fragrances that attract insects.

Essential oils are nature's gift to us. They provide an alternative to chemical laden products that harm our bodies and our environment. With Earth Day just around the corner, consider more eco-friendly products in your home and in your lifestyle. Why would you want to put chemical and synthetic products on your skin when essential oils and essential oil blends are available.

As with any new skin care product, a patch test is always recommended.

For wonderful homemade skin care recipes, including body scrubs, toners, facial peels, clay masks, etc., visit Complete Skin Care