Hawk Soap Company Bug Spray? The 230 Detailed Answer

When it comes to mosquito control, there is a wide variety of products on the market for both the general public and professionals. There are various smells and natural scents that mosquitoes hate. Mosquitoes flying around your home can cause itchy bumps and potentially transmit disease.

Learning how to control mosquitoes is an important step in protecting your home. The most effective way to keep mosquitoes out of the safe environment of your home is to use mosquito repellent sprays and scents. Many mosquito control products are sold to reduce mosquito populations in the home, including liquid, granular, and powdered formulations.

Here are the natural scents that help repel the mosquitoes:

There are several natural scents you can use in your home to repel mosquitoes. Some of these fragrances are listed below.

citronella

clove

cedar

lavender

eucalyptus

peppermint

rosemary

lemongrass

geraniol

People can also use mosquito repellent candles, which are readily available in stores and online stores, to keep mosquitoes out of their homes.

Aside from being unsanitary and a nuisance, mosquitoes are known to spread several deadly diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile virus and Zika virus. In order to keep these deadly diseases away from your home, you need to know certain ways to keep mosquitoes away from your home and knowing and getting the information about the natural scents that help in getting rid of mosquitoes is very important.

Other scents that repel mosquitoes include:

Garlic: The smell of garlic is known to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay. Eating garlic cloves is also known to drive away these blood-sucking insects.

Basil: Basil plants can be easily grown in the comfort of your home. Oil extracted from its leaves is known to be very effective in repelling mosquitoes.

READ: Everything you need to know about mosquito liquid and mat machine

READ: How to get rid of mosquitoes in the house: 7 ways for a mosquito-free home

DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active ingredient in many repellent products. It is commonly used to repel biting pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. Each year, an estimated one-third of the US population uses DEET to protect against mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus or malaria, and tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever .

Products containing DEET are currently available to the public in a variety of liquids, lotions, sprays, and impregnated materials (e.g., wipes, roll-on). Formulations approved for direct application to human skin contain 5 to 99% DEET. Aside from some veterinary uses, DEET is registered for consumer use and is not used for food.

DEET was developed for direct application to human skin to repel insects. Rather than killing them, DEET makes it difficult for these biting bugs to smell us. Developed by the US Army in 1946, DEET was registered for use by the general public in 1957. About 120 products containing DEET are currently registered with the EPA by about 30 different companies.

On this page:

Safety review of DEET

1998 review

After completing a comprehensive re-evaluation of DEET, we concluded that insect repellents containing DEET did not pose a health concern. Consumers are advised to read and follow label directions when using any pesticide product, including insect repellent. Based on extensive toxicity testing, we believe normal use of DEET poses no health risk to the general population, including children. We completed this review and issued a re-registration decision (called RED) in 1998. (More about RED’s)

Review 2014

In 2014, we completed an interim review of DEET as part of the Registration Review Program to ensure it continues to meet safety standards based on current scientific evidence. The Agency has not identified any risks of concern to human health, non-target species or the environment. See this preliminary registration review decision (www.regulations.gov, file number EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0162).

We continue to believe that normal use of DEET poses no health risk to the general population, including children. As always, consumers are advised to read and follow label directions when using any pesticide product, including insect repellent. Also, currently registered uses of DEET are not expected to result in adverse impacts on listed and unlisted endangered species or critical habitats. Therefore, the EPA concludes that there are “no impacts” on the listed species and no adverse change in the designated critical habitat for all currently registered uses of DEET.

The EPA issued an interim ruling on DEET in September 2014. We came to the following conclusion:

no additional data is currently required; and

no changes to the affected registrations or their labeling are currently required.

The human health risk assessment concluded that there are no risks of concern as no toxic effects have been identified when used as an insect repellent applied to the skin and there is no dietary or occupational exposure to DEET. However, a final decision on the DEET registration review case will not be made until after EPA has completed an FFDCA Section 408(p) endocrine disruptor screening. As part of the endocrine disruptor screening program, the EPA has prioritized chemicals for screening, and DEET is lower on the priority list than chemicals currently being tested.

Benefits of DEET products

The most significant benefit of DEET is its ability to repel potentially disease-carrying insects and ticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receives more than 30,000 reports of Lyme disease (borne by deer ticks) and 80-100 reports of La Crosse encephalitis virus (borne by mosquitoes) each year. A total of 48 states and the District of Columbia have reported West Nile virus infections in humans, birds, or mosquitoes to the CDC.

Any of these diseases can cause serious health problems or even death in the case of encephalitis. Where these diseases are prevalent, the CDC recommends using insect repellent outdoors. Studies in the EPA database indicate that DEET repels ticks for about two to 10 hours and mosquitoes for two to 12 hours, depending on the percentage of DEET in the product.

View more information about specific products and their protection times

View information from CDC:

Use DEET products safely

FIFRA requires that pesticides are used according to the approved label. Always follow the recommendations on the product label. According to the CDC, DEET products used as directed should not be harmful, although in rare cases use of DEET products can cause skin irritation. Read the CDC factsheet on DEET.

All DEET product labels include the following instructions to reduce the chance of DEET irritating your skin or eyes:

Read and follow all instructions and precautions on this product label.

Do not apply to cuts, wounds or irritated skin.

Do not put on hands or near the eyes and mouth of small children.

Do not allow young children to use this product.

Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing.

Do not use under clothing.

Avoid overuse of this product.

After returning home, wash treated skin with soap and water.

Wash treated clothing before reuse.

Rarely, the use of this product may cause skin reactions.

The following additional notices appear on the labels of all aerosol and pump spray formulation labels:

Do not spray in closed rooms.

To apply to face, spray onto hands first, then rub onto face. Do not spray directly on face.

Use of DEET in children

DEET is approved for use in children of all ages. There is no restriction on the percentage of DEET in the product for use in children as the data in tests conducted for product registration show no difference in effect between young animals and adult animals. Also, there is no data showing incidents that would lead the EPA to believe that the use of DEET needs to be restricted.

The EPA continues to believe that normal use of DEET poses no health risk to the general population, including children. As always, consumers are advised to read and follow label directions when using any pesticide product, including insect repellent.

What to do if you have an obvious reaction to DEET?

If you suspect that you or your child is having an adverse reaction to a DEET product, stop using the product, wash treated skin, and contact your local poison control center or doctor. If you go to the doctor, take the repellent container with you.

DEET Registration Information

What really keeps mosquitoes away?

Today’s scientists generally agree that the best mosquito control involves a combination of repellents applied to skin or clothing and physical barriers that prevent mosquitoes from even reaching you. But not all products are the same. Here’s a look at the most effective controls backed by science.

repellent

Ever since the U.S. Department of Agriculture developed DEET in 1944, the synthetic chemical has been a mainstay of insect repellents. DEET, short for N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, works by activating the olfactory receptors in mosquitoes, effectively repelling them because they don’t like its smell. Unfortunately, in some people, DEET can irritate mucous membranes and cause skin reactions, burning eyes, difficulty breathing, and headaches.

Both the EPA and CDC have classified DEET as safe, but recommend levels of 30% or less for children. (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 10%). Never apply DEET to rubber, vinyl, plastic, and spandex as it can break down these fibers.

Although scientists and manufacturers have made many attempts to find a DEET equivalent, few plant-based sources have shown promise.

Lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE), which contains p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), performed equally well as DEET in the Journal of Insect Science study cited above. It also worked just as long as DEET products. The study authors concluded that “DEET and PMD are the most effective and long-lasting mosquito repellents currently available.” PMD is found in products containing C. citriodora (lemon eucalyptus oil) and the trade names Citrosynthol, Citrepel, and Citriodiol contain. It is also effective against ticks.

with p-menthane-3,8-diol ( ) performed as well as DEET in the Journal of Insect Science study cited above. It also worked just as long as DEET products. The study authors concluded that “DEET and PMD are the most effective and long-lasting mosquito repellents currently available.” PMD is found in products containing C. citriodora (lemon eucalyptus oil) and the trade names Citrosynthol, Citrepel, and Citriodiol contain. It is also effective against ticks. Neem oil has also been shown to be effective in a study conducted in the forested tribal villages of Mandla, India. Derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), native to the Indian subcontinent, neem oil mixed with coconut oil and applied directly to the skin reduces mosquito bites by up to 91%. When added to kerosene and oil lamps along with other fuel, neem oil is also known to reduce the presence of mosquitoes.

has also been shown to be effective by a study conducted in the forested tribal villages of Mandla, India. Derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), native to the Indian subcontinent, neem oil mixed with coconut oil and applied directly to the skin reduces mosquito bites by up to 91%. When added to kerosene and oil lamps along with other fuel, neem oil is also known to reduce the presence of mosquitoes. Picaridin is another synthetic ingredient that has been shown to be effective against mosquitoes. Developed in Europe in the late 1990s, Picaridin became available to American consumers in 2005. Studies show that it must make up at least 20% of the solution to be effective. While it’s generally considered a safe alternative to DEET (without the plastic-dissolving properties of this chemical), picaridin hasn’t been tested as extensively.

is another synthetic ingredient that has been shown to be effective against mosquitoes. Developed in Europe in the late 1990s, Picaridin became available to American consumers in 2005. Studies show that it must make up at least 20% of the solution to be effective. While it’s generally considered a safe alternative to DEET (without the plastic-dissolving properties of this chemical), picaridin hasn’t been tested as extensively. A children’s version of Herbal Armor also performed well in the Insect Science study. Containing a blend of essential oils including citronella, cedar, lemongrass and peppermint, it performed as well as a 40 percent DEET solution and better than a 10 percent picaridin solution.

barriers

As cases of dengue fever surfaced in Key West, Fla., local officials urged residents to protect themselves by dressing in long sleeves and long pants at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes were more common and more likely prick Treating clothing with repellent can also help. Just note that permethrin, a common ingredient used to treat clothing against mosquitoes, is a known carcinogen when consumed and has been linked to Parkinson’s disease. Permethrin also acts as an insecticide rather than a deterrent, so mosquitoes can still bite you through a piece of clothing treated with permethrin and only die afterward. Clothing treated with permethrin is generally considered safe and is now available from major outdoor retailers.

When camping in areas with healthy mosquito populations, nothing beats a physical barrier like bug repellent jackets with hoods closed and mosquito shelters for sleeping or eating. We especially like Onsight’s insecticide-free mosquito repellents because they’re made from 60-100% recycled materials.

aerosols

Recently, products have emerged that effectively repel mosquitoes using scents or aerosols that are released into the air. A common ingredient in these products is the insecticide allethrin. The Thermacell uses butane gas to heat allethrin-soaked pads. These pads emit an aura that attacks the nervous system of mosquitoes. Allethrin specifically repels mosquitoes in outdoor areas. Scientists do not recommend using the product indoors. The product is also known to be toxic to bees, cats and fish, so care should be taken when choosing products containing this ingredient.

For years, the claim that dryer sheets keep bugs away has circulated on household-related websites. How much of this is true and how much is myth? Because of our commitment to providing professional and effective pest control solutions, we’re always looking for bug-repelling tricks to share with homeowners. If you’re wondering whether dryer sheets actually keep bugs away, here’s what you should know.

Do dryer sheets repel mosquitoes?

One of the most cited uses for dryer sheets as insect repellents is their ability to deter mosquitoes. Some have reported that storing dryer sheets in bags outdoors can help keep mosquitoes at bay, although there is little scientific research to support this claim.

While a study has yet to be conducted to determine whether dryer sheets repel mosquitoes, one can look at similar studies to make an educated guess about dryer sheets’ mosquito-repellent abilities.

Do dryer sheets keep other insects away?

A study conducted by a team of researchers from Kansas State University used bounce dryer sheets to determine their effectiveness in controlling fungus gnats. The study consisted of a test chamber with two separate compartments, one containing a bounce dryer sheet and the other not. When the researchers released the mosquitoes into the chamber, they found that only 18% of the mosquitoes moved into the compartment with the dryer sheet, while 45% moved towards the empty compartment.

The reason for that? Most dryer sheets contain the ingredient linalool, found in plants like lavender, basil, and cilantro, all of which naturally repel common garden pests. Similar studies have found that this ingredient is also useful for repelling bugs like mites, weevils, beetles, and German cockroaches. Although its ability to repel mosquitoes hasn’t been confirmed, linalool can also be found in certain mosquito repellents and pesticides, which may mean that dryer sheets are more effective at repelling mosquitoes and other pesky insects than some might think.

Fact or Fiction? Answer: Both

While dryer sheets have not been officially proven to repel mosquitoes, their effectiveness has not been disproved either. It’s possible that these common household items are a successful mosquito repellent. However, until linalool and other bug repellent ingredients in dryer sheets are proven to deter mosquitoes, we recommend using an EPA-approved bug spray that contains the ingredient DEET to help prevent mosquito bites during outdoor activities. Just because dryer sheets aren’t made to repel mosquitoes, it still has a variety of other uses around the home.

Other pest-related uses for dryer sheets

While their ability to act as an insect repellent hasn’t been officially proven, dryer sheets offer other pest-related uses. Dryer sheets can help remove dried bugs from your car’s windshield and body. Simply soak the dryer sheet in water or spray the affected area with water and rub with the dryer sheet. However, the chemicals in dryer sheets can dissolve a car’s finish, so make sure to reapply the wax to get a shiny finish on your vehicle.

Dry towels can also be used to protect houseplants from pesky pests. Since they’ve been shown to repel fungus gnats, placing several dryer sheets near your houseplants could protect them from these root-eating pests. This is especially useful for plants in humid environments like bathrooms or gardens where fungi are most likely to grow in the soil.

Although this claim has yet to be proven, some say that placing dryer sheets in dark corners or cluttered areas of your home can also discourage spiders and other bugs from nesting, as these bugs are thought to be repelled by the smell.

Our conclusion

While dryer sheets can help keep pesky pests from spreading around your home, only one thing can get rid of those bugs once and for all: an effective pest control treatment from Aptive Environmental. One of our pest control experts can determine the best solution for your specific situation and recommend the best course of action to rid your home and garden of pests. Call our team today for a free quote.

Mosquitoes rely primarily on their keen sense of smell to identify their preferred food source: humans.

If you don’t already know it and don’t have a mosquito’s ability to smell, the things you eat can greatly affect the chemicals released and therefore your smell. Some of the scents created by your diet are unattractive to mosquitoes or otherwise mask your natural aroma.

Mosquito repellents can make it harder for mosquitoes to find and feast on you. Below are some quick and easy ways to keep mosquitoes at bay without having to cover yourself from head to toe in unappealing chemicals.

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what to eat

These 7 Mosquito Repellent Foods can easily be incorporated into your regular diet to combat your stubborn bug bite problems.

1. Garlic and Onions

How it works: Garlic is perhaps the most well-known food associated with repelling mosquitoes. This popular Italian food ingredient releases a compound known as allicin, which is released through your pores when consumed.

Allicin disrupts your natural odor and therefore helps mask you from these stubborn pests. Onions and other members of this plant family, such as leeks, shallots, and chives, also release allicin when eaten, so they can be used interchangeably.

How to use it: Because allicin decreases the longer it’s exposed to heat, many people suggest that this defense works best when these foods are cut into chunks and eaten raw.

However, if you don’t like uncooked garlic and onions, both make great additions to your favorite pasta and tomato dishes. They can even be used to add some flavor to stir fries, rice and baked chicken!

2. Apple cider vinegar

How it works: Apple cider vinegar has been a commonly used natural mosquito repellent for many years. Like most of the other ingredients on this list, apple cider works by altering your smell. This makes you less attractive to those pesky mosquitoes.

Don’t worry – it doesn’t affect how you smell to other people!

How to use it: Many stories claim that ingesting an undiluted tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at least once a day is just what you need to keep mosquitoes away forever. For a more pleasant experience, you can mix the dose with honey.

You can also try incorporating apple cider vinegar into soups, homemade salad dressings, and even cocktails and other beverages.

3. Lemongrass

How it works: Lemongrass contains an oil called citronella, a popular natural insect repellent that’s commonly applied to the skin or used in other forms. Eating lemongrass has been shown to offer similar protection.

All of these methods are effective because this fragrant plant helps hide your natural odors, making it harder for mosquitoes to identify you.

How to Use: Lemongrass is commonly used in many types of Thai cuisine and makes a great addition to soups and curries.

If you want to protect guests at your backyard grill, try serving delicious lemongrass wings!

4. Chili peppers

How it works: One word: capsaicin. This potent, heat-generating compound is the active element in chili peppers, which creates its signature spiciness. Capsaicin is an irritant to many species, which is why you get that burning sensation when you eat it. Because capsaicin is such a well-known irritant to many species of insects, it is already being used as a natural insecticide in many parts of the world.

In addition, mosquitoes are repelled by the smell you release when eating capsaicin-containing foods, so they stay away from it.

How to Use: Chili peppers are a great way to add a little spice to your favorite foods. They are popular in chili, hot sauce, pico de gallo and other salsas, as well as many other tomato-based dishes.

5. Tomatoes

How it works: Tomatoes are one of several foods high in thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. Many people suggest that a diet high in thiamine can be very effective at deterring mosquitoes and some other insects, although this has sparked some debate in recent years. Tomatoes rich in thiamin make them less tempting to mosquitoes and prevent them from biting.

If you’re still bitten, you can rub the juice from your leftover tomatoes on the affected area to stop the itching!

How to Use It: With so many uses, tomatoes can easily be incorporated into your daily eating routine. Try some easy favorites like tomato soup and fresh tossed salads, or top your favorite pasta with a savory tomato sauce – bonus points if you add some garlic and onions!

You can even whip up some bite-sized tomato and cheese cups to share with your friends at your next outdoor event.

6. Grapefruit

How it works: Not only is this juicy fruit an excellent source of vitamin C and health-boosting antioxidants, grapefruit has been linked to repelling mosquitoes and is also effective against ticks. It has been suggested that it can also repel other insects such as bed bugs and head lice.

This is due to a compound found in grapefruit called nootkatone, which is used as both an insecticide and a natural pesticide.

How to Use: Citrus fruits can be a great addition to your daily eating routine. Try eating half a grapefruit for breakfast before you start your day, or combine it with other citrus fruits to create a fresh fruit salad.

For an on-the-go dessert that protects you no matter where you are, whip up some grapefruit cupcakes.

7. Beans and lentils

How it works: Beans and lentils work in a similar way to tomatoes. All of these foods are high in thiamine and when eaten they release an odor that repels insects.

How to Use It: Beans and lentils can be added to almost anything to add the flavor or texture needed. Whether you use them as an accompaniment to your main course, create spreads like hummus, or add them to your favorite spicy dishes like chili or burritos, these popular legumes are a great way to spice up your meals and protect you from mosquitoes.

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What to avoid

These 3 common food types have been shown to create a scent that is more attractive to mosquitoes, making you a prime target for unwanted feasting.

1 beer

Researchers are still unsure why beer seems to attract mosquitoes; You just know it works. Consuming even small amounts, e.g. B. a single 12 oz. bottle, has nevertheless proved attractive to mosquitoes and invites many bites.

2. Salty Foods:

These types of foods produce large amounts of lactic acid, which has been shown to attract mosquitoes. This is the same reason you are more prone to mosquito bites while exercising.

3. Sweet/sugary foods

This is much discussed. Some people claim that eating foods high in sugar makes our skin sweeter and more attractive to mosquitoes, while others say it has no effect. But if you plan on spending a lot of time outside, you might just want to cut your losses and skip the sugary foods.

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Prevent mosquitoes from making a meal of you

Planning the right meals during mosquito season is a great, natural way to prevent these unwanted pests from infesting you and your family. However, if you spend a lot of time entertaining guests in your garden, consider a Mosquito Magnet® trap, which can help drastically reduce mosquito populations in your home.

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your solutions

Do you have your own secret tricks to deter mosquitoes? Whether it’s a tried-and-true classic method or a personal discovery, let us know in the comments below or visit us at Mosquito Magnet® on Facebook.

Also subscribe to our e-newsletter to keep you informed of our new products and give you expert advice on everything you need to know about mosquitoes.

Many people use this product as an insect repellent

How to use Avon Skin So Soft on a dog for flea and tick control

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From: Sophie J. Balk MD, FAAP

Warmer weather means more opportunities for kids to play outside, hike, and enjoy the fresh air with family and friends. Warmer weather also means preventing bug bites.

Biting insects such as mosquitoes and horse flies can make children unhappy. Of even greater concern, bites from some insects can cause serious illness.

Beyond the itch: insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne diseases include Lyme disease, West Nile disease, Zika, and others through mosquito and tick bites. And insect-borne diseases are on the rise, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

One way to protect your child from biting insects is to use insect repellent. If there’s a chance of getting a serious illness like Lyme disease, which is transmitted through a bug bite, make sure you choose an effective repellent, which means it’ll work well. It is also important to know how to use repellents properly and safely.

Insect repellents do not kill insects but work by keeping insects away from the person using them. Remember that they repel insects that bite, but not insects that sting. Biting insects include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers and stable flies. Stinging insects include bees, hornets and wasps.

Insect repellents recognized as safe and effective

DEET:

the us Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates and approves insect repellents for their safety and effectiveness. DEET is approved as a safe and effective insect repellent.

The concentration of DEET in a product indicates how long the product is effective – a higher concentration works longer. For example, 10% DEET provides protection for around 2 hours and 30% DEET protects for around 5 hours. Concentrations greater than 50% DEET do not provide additional protection. You can choose the lowest concentration to offer protection for the time you spend outside. For example, if you plan to be outside for an hour, you can choose 10% DEET.

When used on children, insect repellents should not contain more than 30% DEET. Insect repellents are not recommended for children under 2 months old.

Repellents containing DEET should not be harmful if parents follow label directions to use the product safely. DEET products can cause skin rashes, especially when used in high concentrations, but these reactions are rare.

Picaridin and other repellents:

In addition to DEET, picaridin and other products are considered safe and effective by the EPA. You can find information about this using the search function.

Tips for applying insect repellent to your child

Do:

Choose products in the form of sticks, lotions, or non-pressurized sprays.

Read the label and follow all directions and precautions.

Only apply insect repellent to the outside of your child’s clothing and to exposed skin—not under clothing.

Use just enough repellent to cover your child’s clothing and exposed skin. Using more will not make the repellent more effective. Repellents like DEET should only be applied once a day.

Use spray repellents in open areas to avoid inhalation.

Help apply insect repellent to young children. Supervise older children when using these products.

Wash your children’s skin with soap and water to remove any insect repellent when they return indoors and wash their clothes before wearing them again.

Keep repellents out of the reach of small children to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion.

Not:

Avoid sprays in pressurized containers to avoid inhaling the product or getting in the eyes.

Never use insect repellent on children under 2 months old. Instead, use mosquito nets over baby carriers or strollers in areas where your baby may be exposed to insects.

Avoid putting repellents on children’s hands; Children sometimes put their hands in their mouths and eyes.

Avoid repellent candles, which can cause breathing problems when inhaling fumes.

Never spray insect repellent directly on your child’s face. Instead, spray a little on your hands first and then rub it on your child’s face. Avoid eyes and mouth.

Do not spray insect repellent on cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.

Do not use products that combine DEET with sunscreen. These products can over-expose your child to DEET as the sunscreen will need to be reapplied often – every 2 hours when in the sun and after swimming or sweating.

Natural insect repellent

“Natural” insect repellent ingredients such as citronella, geranium, peppermint and soybean oil. These are considered safe but have not been approved by the EPA for their effectiveness. Most only keep insects away for a short time. In addition, some natural repellents can cause skin irritation.

Other products that haven’t proven effective against mosquitoes include wristbands soaked in chemical repellents and ultrasonic devices that emit sound waves to keep insects away.

Natural and other alternative repellents can be good if there are no concerns about catching a serious insect-borne illness. If there are any health concerns – such as B. Lyme disease in an area known to have ticks – DEET, Picaridin or another approved effective product should be used.

What if my child has a reaction to insect repellent?

If you suspect your child is reacting to an insect repellent, e.g. B. Rash:

Stop using the product and wash your child’s skin with soap and water.

Then call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or your child’s doctor for help.

If you take your child to the doctor’s office, take the repellent container with you.

Other ways to protect your child from insect bites

While you can’t prevent all bug bites, you can reduce the number your child gets by following these guidelines:

Tell your child to avoid areas that attract flying insects, such as garbage cans, standing pools of water, and flower beds or orchards.

Dress your child in long pants, a light long-sleeved shirt, socks and closed-toe shoes if you know your child will be exposed to insects. A wide-brimmed hat can help keep bugs off your face.

Avoid dressing your child in brightly colored clothes or floral prints, as these appear to attract insects.

Do not use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child as these can attract insects.

Use mosquito nets and fans in outdoor dining areas.

Keep door and window screens in good condition. Remove any outdoor areas with standing water where mosquitoes could breed.

Check your child’s skin at the end of the day if you live in an area where there are ticks and your child has been playing outside. Remove ticks safely.

Remember that the most effective product against ticks is permethrin. It should not be applied to the skin but to your child’s clothing. Permethrin can also be applied to outdoor gear like sleeping bags or tents.

Remember

Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you have questions about protecting your child from bug bites.

More information

About dr beam

Sophie J. Balk, MD, FAAP, is an attending pediatrician at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore and a professor of pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Environmental Health. In her clinical practice and research, Dr. Balk on pediatric environmental health, pediatric tobacco issues and skin cancer prevention. As a past chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Environmental Health, Dr. Balk has served as Associate Editor of the 4 issues of Pediatric Environmental Health.

Quality pest control products can make a significant difference in the success rate of treatment, reduction of damage to property and the environment, and human safety. But how do you know which products are the best and what the local pest control companies in your area are using?

You’ll find the answers here – we’ve created a guide on what pest control companies are using and how to identify the products you don’t want in your home. This guide includes:

What Chemicals Do Most Pest Control Companies Use?

What is the most effective pest control?

Organic and green pest control services.

Best pest control products for your home.

Use this information to ensure you only hire the best professional pest control services to protect your property and your health.

What Chemicals Do Most Pest Control Companies Use?

Most pest control companies use pesticides called pyrethrins and pyrethroids, including permethrin. These mimic natural and organic pesticides found in chrysanthemum varieties. There are also a few other chemicals that are used, but sometimes not as often.

Fipronil: This standard pest control treatment can come in liquid or powder form and is most commonly associated with controlling termites, fleas, and roaches. It affects the nervous system of pests and will either kill them or drive them out of your home. Fipronil is a mildly toxic spray that should only be used by professional pest control technicians, and even then they should keep you and your family informed of the affected areas. Piperonyl Butoxide: This pesticide is a treatment additive because it is not particularly effective on its own. It’s not particularly toxic to humans and animals, but we recommend limiting your exposure to any pest control solutions you use.

Many low-quality pest control products mix these common ingredients with more radical chemicals that can even damage your home and property. Some of these ingredients are also listed by the EPA as carcinogens at certain exposure levels.

We strongly encourage you to ask your local pest control suppliers what pesticides they use and mention any concerns you have about the safety of your home.

What is the most effective pest control?

The most effective pest control methods vary by pest type, region, severity, and problem areas. Within these broad parameters, there are a few specific methods that professional pest control services typically use, including:

Physical pest control methods

Physical methods of pest control include trapping, killing, and removing pests by limiting breeding areas and conditions.

Physical methods include decoy traps, field burning, trap trimming, and perimeter traps.

Chemical pest control methods

Professional pest control services most commonly use chemical pesticides when treating pest infestations. Although safety may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you mention chemical-based pesticide solutions, many eco-friendly and green chemical blends are becoming more common among quality pest control companies across the country.

How does pest control spray work?

Depending on the pest control spray, there are different ways the treatment is applied and affects pests. When it comes to crawling insect sprays, it is common to spray an area with a thin layer of insecticide that can be picked up on the legs and body. They will then be affected by the chemicals and hopefully track this into their nest so more pests are affected.

When pesticides also contain pyrethroid, this tends to act as an insect repellant in addition to the other active ingredients in the treatment. This dual action eliminates current pests and prevents more from entering your home.

Biological pest control methods

Also known as natural pest control solutions, using animals, plants, or an organic compound to keep pests out of your home or business is a common alternative to synthetic chemical solutions. However, these are typically considered DIY methods used as general support for professional pest control services, depending on your circumstances. Commonly used by gardeners, microorganisms are a popular form of modern natural pest control, used to protect many types of plants in home gardens.

In terms of overall effectiveness, there is no doubt that pesticides are the most effective pest control method to date. To use them appropriately, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what treatments have been designed for your property, pest infestation, and long-term health. We recommend having a thorough conversation with your pest controller about what products they use.

Organic and Green Pest Control Services

Modern pest control companies continue to develop products and services for improved safety and effectiveness as homeowners increasingly demand green, organic, and eco-friendly pest control solutions.

The EPA believed that certain green pesticides have effects similar to traditional pesticides, with a lower risk of side effects from their use. These treatments are usually preventive measures, and the most experienced pest control technicians will use them effectively in key areas. This is in line with pesticide best use guidelines, protecting you, your family and your property in the short and long term.

As with any other pest control treatment, we recommend discussing the specific blends and organic products used in your treatment with your local pest technician.

Best pest control products for your home

There is no one-size-fits-all pest control treatment for every home. Finally, your region, your infestation, and your property play an important role in strategizing for the best pest control solution for your situation. The most important thing is to find an effective, safe and consistent pest control method to prevent and eliminate pest infestations.

For most homeowners who have problems with pests, we recommend turning to professional pest control solutions for the most success. You can spend hours of your time and hundreds of your hard-earned dollars on products that may not work – or only temporarily deter pests.

With the best pest control products and treatments from the pros there is a much higher success rate, you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself and the results are likely to last a lot longer. In our opinion, an easy decision.

Related: Pest Control FAQ: Can I clean after pest control?

Insectek is Arizona’s pest control leader

At Insectek we pride ourselves on using the highest quality pest control products to give you the best results. We have a range of eco-friendly and property-safe solutions that don’t endanger your health.

Equally important, our treatments produce lasting results. If you want to take care of your pest problems with ease, contact us today. One of our technicians will be happy to schedule an appointment to assess and treat your home as soon as possible.

An insect bite is irritating at best and fatal at worst. This summer, when the weather is getting warmer and we’re spending more time outside on picnics, camping trips, al fresco dining, and long-awaited summer trips, a bottle of bug repellant can be just as important as sunscreen.

But it’s not as easy as simply dousing yourself with bug spray. You need to know how to apply it, how often to reapply it, and how to combine it with your favorite SPF.

“Besides the directions on the bottle (e.g. age restrictions for use of certain formulations), it is important that repellents be applied as a thin, even coverage to all exposed areas of the skin,” says medical entomologist Cameron Webb, Ph.D. “A swab here and there will not provide adequate protection.”

When applied to the face, pediatric dermatologist Dr. Joseph Lam to spray the repellent on hands first and then dab it onto skin to apply it. He also recommends applying insect repellent to children instead of letting them apply it themselves.

According to the CDC, insect repellents should contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane diol, or 2-undecanone. You should only apply it after sunscreen and it’s important to wash it off when you get home. Follow the directions on the product label to know how often to reapply.

It’s worth noting that insect repellents with non-traditional active ingredients, such as citronella or geranium oil, instead of the active ingredients recommended by the CDC, have become a popular option in recent years. These ingredients have been tested and approved by the EPA for safety but have not been tested for effectiveness. according to dr Webb, there aren’t many products that last as long or work as effectively as DEET. With these factors in mind, we’ve included both types of sprays and listed the main ingredients in each.

Now that you know the general guidelines for insect repellent, here are some of the best sprays to add to your outdoor packing list.