You Say Tomato I Say Mosquito

Gathering tomatoes or other fruits of the garden might not sound like a dangerous occupation, but with terrorism running rampant these days, even a walk thru the garden can require pre-emptive measures. In fact if you left the screen door open for a minute or so and heard a whiny frequency accompanied by a slight tickle it may already be too late, if that slight tickle was the allergic reaction of your skin cells to the Culex, Aedes or Anopheles mosquito, one of the several species that prefer humans, and are capable of transmitting microbial organisms to living cells.

Every year two million people die of malaria, which is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, but most of those deaths occur in Africa. In the U.S. malaria is considered rare, but the West Nile Virus is on the move.

The West Nile Virus is two millionths of an inch wide, smaller than most viruses. Viruses occupy a special taxonomy position in that they are not plant, animal or prokaryotic bacteria, and should not even be considered organisms because they are not free-living. (They cannot reproduce with out a host cell.)

The West Nile Virus has been studied for decades but did not arrive in the US until 1999. It is most similarly assocciated with other viruses that cause encephalitis, (inflammation of the brain), and it is highly fatal to avian species, corvids, mostly non-migratory birds distinguished by same sex characteristics. The West Nile Virus is also fatal to horses although there is a two-dose vaccine available for horses. It is not known when a vaccine will be discovered for humans or birds, so the best method of dealing with the virus is through avoidance. The West Nile Virus is past on to its animal host through the saliva of the female mosquito at the time of injection. The female mosquito needs a blood meal to complete reproduction, and pass on proteins to her offspring. The male mosquito does not eat blood but lives only on nectar and fruit juices.

Avoiding mosquitoes can be a big problem if you're an outdoors person unless your companion is more susceptible to mosquito bites than you are. Some people attract more mosquitoes than others. (They must have a better bloodline.) Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in as little as one tablespoon of water which hatch and become adults in as little as seven to ten days. Finding all the water sources in which they can breed is next to impossible, but eliminating the obvious places will help. (Rain gutters, bird baths, flower pots etc.) In order to avoid mosquitoes it helps to know how they find you. They use sensors on their antenna to pick up body heat, odor and carbon-dioxide from exhaled breath to find their meal. That's why black-light traps do not really work well, (mosquitoes use thermal imaging, not ultra violet). The female mosquito will work her way upwind zigzagging back and forth to the sources of these bodily cues. As she gets closer she uses colors and moisture in the air to close in on her target. British researchers found that mosquitoes would respond to animal bodies up to forty-five feet away. Mosquitoes become inactive when temperatures drop below forty-five degrees F or above eighty-two degrees F or when wind speeds are higher than six meters per second.

Some repellents are very effective at binding the mosquito sensory antenna. Repellants composed of heavy irregular shaped molecules work best. They block the pores of the sensory hairs of the mosquito antenna forcefully changing the mosquitoes point of view, causing her to fly past a living target. Area repellants like candles and incense with citronella have been proven effective at averting mosquitoes and even a plain wax candle can work as a decoy to trick mosquitoes. One of the best and most familiar repellents is a chemical product called Deet, which was developed by the USDA and patented by the US Army in 1946 and then registered in 57 for use by the general public. It is a broad spectrum repellent targeting many different insect pests, however one thing that might not be so well known is that Deet should not be used in conjunction with any other insecticide containing Permethrin as it can cause severe cellular damage according to Duke Universities Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health.

One of the most interesting, and recent repellants I have discovered while researching this article is the use of a common perennial herb or weed called catnip. Researchers at Iowa State University and the US Forest Service released information in 2001 on the effectiveness of nepetalactone, an essential oil found in catnip that works 10 times more efficiently than Deet although they say nothing about its duration comparison. Iowa State had submitted a patent application for the use of catnip compounds for insect repellents and commercial products are already available to the general public, (although I do not know if that means that thorough testing on humans or animals were completed). Caveat Emptor. Obviously cats will be meowing all over the neighborhood once these products become popular. (Skeeter-free, Natures Herbal, Natural Herbal Shield are a few). Some companies may be cheating the law by not calling there products a "Repellant", so as to bypass FDA regulations.

You may want to try mixing your own concoction of catnip repellant. It's available at nurseries and in the wild if you know what it looks like. Catnip was introduced to the US from Europe in the late 18th Century, and has been used for seasoning and teas for years. It is thought to have many healing properties among them help for (inducing sleep, migraine headaches, fevers, sedative, fatigue, restlessness, pain killers, improving circulation and symptoms associated with the flu.) It is also high in vitamin C. Catnip was also called the "Hang-mans Root" and was used by early American colonial executioners to put them in the mood before an execution. In England it was used to flavor beer because it cost less than hops. Over the years their have been many other plant-derived repellants to combat insects such as lavender extract, cedar wood, neem oil, Rosemary, peppermint geranium, lemongrass and others.

As far as electronic devises sold to repel insects, be sure the experts who tested these devices were not on the companies payroll, or be careful of which expert you listen to. Some of these products do more damage than good. In May 2001 the FTC sent warning letters to 60 companies selling these devises, warning them not to make claims without scientific evidence. In August 2002, Lentek International was charged by the FTC, for making false claims that their electronic mosquito repelling devices, repel mosquitoes. (WWW .ft c.gov/opa/2002/08/lentek.htm)

One proven method that partially worked for my dad when I was growing up, was the nightly mosquito hunt. Each night before bedtime the five of us kids were assigned a rolled up newspaper and a room, and we could not go to bed until every mosquito in the house was extinguished. It worked 90% of the time and gave the walls and ceilings that natured texture look. The funny thing bout it was the other 10% of the time the mosquitoes only got dad.

Mosquitoes play an important role in the food chain, mostly in their larvae and pupae stages, transforming algae, bacteria and organic matter into meals for fish and other aquatic creatures and wading birds etc. and it would not be beneficial to eliminate all of them.

Last year out of 830 reported human infections, 27 were fatal. In November 2003 a bio Technology Company called Acambis started the first human clinical trial of a West Nile Virus vaccine. So far it has performed well in hamster, mice, monkeys and horses. Most cases of the disease occurs in the elderly and others with impaired immune systems, there have been cases of transmission through blood transfusions, and organ transplants. In most cases those who have West Nile Virus do not even know they have it. A few will develop flu like symptoms 4 to 10 days after the infection, and a rare few will develop encephalitis.

Copyright Jim Burnell 2005

Sources:

University of Ca. Publication 7451

Author: Bruce Eldridge, Dept. of Entomology, and UC Davis

Catnip as a Mosquito Repellent

Author: Jeffrey s. Hoard

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy

Dept of Health and Human Services

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Grow your own mosquito repellant

Author: Ann Lovejoy

Integrated Pest Management of Alaska

Iowa State University Extension Fact Sheet

Mosquito

Iowa State University

Joel Coats, Entomology

Brian Meyer, Agriculture Communications

Jim Burnell is a carpenter/cabinet maker and small business owner with a lifetime of varied hobbies from boat building to studying Zeno?s paradox. Currently he is studying the effects of catnip on mosquitoes and other insects, the testing and raising of certain beneficial insects in the garden and in captivity, and simplifying certain gardening procedures in transplanting and cloning. For links to his other articles, journals and ideas he can be reached at his website: http://www.spreadtheworld.blogspot.com

Mosquito Netting Canopy - Your Best Defense

When traveling or enjoying outdoor activities such as camping, there is the risk of being exposed to mosquito bites and the potential diseases that they carry. Wearing clothes that cover your entire body and applying insect repellent will decrease the risk of being stung, but the safest, simplest and most effective way to control mosquito bites is to use a mosquito netting canopy.

Guidelines

When purchasing a mosquito netting canopy, it is important to be well-informed. Mosquito netting can be made out of two types of material, polyester and cotton. Polyester is a good choice as it is lightweight and longer lasting than cotton. Cotton netting can be more comfortable, but it is less durable. Cotton is not water-resistant and can stretch if it gets wet; it also becomes heavier and tiresome to carry. However, for a long stay in a tropical area, cotton netting would be preferred due to its comfort level. Mosquito netting canopies, whether made of polyester or cotton, come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and thickness of thread.

Further Protection

To increase the efficiency of a mosquito netting canopy, and therefore maximize your protection against insect bites, it is recommended that the net be sprayed with a top-quality insecticide, such as permethrin. The effectiveness of a pre-treated canopy can last up to one year. It is possible to spray it yourself with an insecticide from the local hardware store, but a pre-treated canopy is always a safer choice. The standard amount of insecticide used is usually 350-500 milligrams per squared meter. The main advantage of a mosquito netting canopy sprayed with insect repellent is that if the netting becomes torn or damaged during travel, the repellent still offers some protection against pesky insects.

Are Mosquito Nets the Safest Alternative?

According to studies done by Clive Shiff, a prominent malaria expert at the John Hopkins School of Health, a mosquito netting canopy can play a major part in keeping travelers and campers safe from mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria. Shiff was a major player in an experiment that provided mosquito netting to 20,000 families with children in Tanzania. All the participating children received anti-malarial drugs. The control group slept without any netting canopy protection, and the treatment group slept with a net canopy. At the end of the 6-month study, the results indicated that the primary symptom of malaria, which is anemia, was 50% less common in the treatment group than in the control group.

Other numerous field trials carried out in Kenya, Gambia, and Ghana showed that child deaths from malaria could be reduced considerably if a mosquito netting canopy was used during sleep and resting hours.

Unicef has put a plan into effect that will help provide mosquito netting canopies and indoor residual spraying to people living in malaria-prone areas. It is their hope that the number of cases of malaria infections will be reduced by 50% by the year 2010.

Karen Foster is the content manager and editor for Tiny Mosquito: Understanding the Mosquito. For more information about mosquitoes and the West Nile virus visit her site at http://www.tinymosquito.com

Fight Off Those Insects

Insect Repellent

You can minimize your exposure to insect bites by changing your patterns of activity or behaviour.

Some vector mosquitoes are most active in twilight periods at dawn and dusk or in the evening, so avoid outdoor activity during these periods.

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to minimize the areas of exposed skin. Shirts should be tucked in.

Use insect repellents. Repellents applied to clothing, shoes, tents, mosquito nets, and other gear will enhance protection.

Permethrin-containing repellents (Permanone) are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Permethrin is highly effective as an insecticide/acaricide (against ticks and mites) and as a repellent. Permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other arthropods and retains this effect after repeated laundering. Such treated clothing is thought to pose little danger for poisoning to humans wearing it.

Repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide) as an active ingredient are recommended by most authorities. A common commercial repellent that contains this chemical is the brand name OFF. DEET repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods when applied to skin or clothing. Formulations containing less than 35% DEET are recommended because the additional gain in repellent effect with higher concentrations is not significant when weighed against the potential for toxicity, which include rare cases of encephalopathy (brain infection) in children.

There are a number of natural products will effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication (at least every 2 hours) and higher concentrations than DEET. Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient. As you can see, natural repellents tend to be volatile plant oils.

Citronella Oil

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Cinnamon Oil

Castor Oil

Rosemary Oil

Lemongrass Oil

Cedar Oil

Peppermint Oil

Clove Oil

Geranium Oil

Insect Bites Overview

Stings and bites from insects are common. They often result in redness and swelling in the injured area. Sometimes a sting can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Arthropods are insects that live primarily on land and have 6 legs. They dominate the present-day land fauna. They represent about three-fourths of known animal life. In fact, the actual number of living species could range from 5-10 million. The orders that contain the greatest numbers of species are Coleoptera (beetles), Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps), and Diptera (true flies).

Insect Bites Causes

Insects do not usually attack unless they are provoked. Most bites and stings are defensive. The insects sting to protect their hives or nests. A sting or bite injects venom composed of proteins and other substances that may trigger an allergic reaction in the victim. The sting also causes redness and swelling at the site of the sting. Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and fire ants are members of the Hymenoptera family. Bites or stings from these species may cause serious reactions in people who are allergic to them. Death from bee stings is 3-4 times more common than death from snake bites (for more information, see stings of bees and wasps). Bees, wasps, and fire ants differ in how they inflict injury. When a bee stings, it loses the entire injection apparatus (stinger) and actually dies in the process. A wasp can inflict multiple stings because it does not lose its injection apparatus after it stings.

Fire ants inject their venom by using their mandibles (the biting parts of their jaw) and rotating their bodies. They may inject venom many times.

In contrast, bites from mosquitoes typically do not cause significant illnesses, unless they convey "vectors," or microorganisms that actually live within these mosquitoes. For instance, malaria is caused by an organism that spends part of its life cycle in a particular species of mosquitoes. West Nile virus is another disease spread by a mosquito.

Treatment depends on the type of reaction. If there is only redness and pain at the site of the bite, application of ice is adequate treatment. Clean the area with soap and water to remove contaminated particles left behind by some insects (such as mosquitoes). These particles may further contaminate the wound if not removed. Refrain from scratching because this may cause the skin to break down and an infection to form.

You may treat itching at the site of the bite with an over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in cream or pill form. Calamine lotion also helps relieve the itching.

People who have a history of severe reactions to bites or stings may have been prescribed an anaphylaxis kit. The kit contains an epinephrine injector (you give yourself an injection), tourniquet, and an antihistamine. The kit should be used according to the doctor's instructions.

Obviously prevention is always better than cure so a good insect repellent is advisable.

On bites which are more minor then essential oils can bring some relief from the itching and pain.

For itching try a mixture of Chamomile German, Lavender and Melissa combined together in carrier oil or alternatively make a cold compress soaked in these essential oils and apply it to the swelling. For bites which are inflamed and sore then use Lavender and Myrrh combined together in carrier oil or alternatively make a cold compress soaked in these essential oils and apply it to the swelling.

For red, irritated and inflamed skin try a mixture if two or more from this list .. Benzoin, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Neroli, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose combined together in carrier oil or alternatively make a cold compress soaked in these essential oils and apply it to the swelling.

http://www.thinkaromatherapy.co.uk

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.

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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.