Best Way to Keep Mosquitoes from Biting
The World Health Organization has declared the rapid spread of the Zika virus—which has been linked to serious birth defects and is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes—an international public health emergency. Both Zika, which is of particular risk to pregnant women, and the dengue virus are spread by the Aedesaegypti mosquito, which is common in tropical Malaysia, Southeast Asia's third largest economy, and across the region.
A 2015 study tested eight commercial mosquito repellents, two fragrances and a vitamin B patch by releasing mosquitoes into a sealed chamber with a treated hand. The study found that after four hours, the most effective were products containing DEET, as well as one DEET-free spray.
Notes
The study tested two mosquito species. The chart above shows attraction rates for the Aedesaegypti species.
Source: Journal of Insect Science
Credit: Katie Park/NPR
What is DEET?
DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is commonly used as an insect repellent but its use has become highly controversial. Scientists have raised concerns about the use of DEET and seizures among children, even though EPA claims that there is not enough information to implicate DEET with these incidents.
DEET is quickly absorbed through the skin and has caused adverse effects including large blisters and burning sensations. Laboratory studies have found that DEET can cause neurological damage, including brain damage in children. Therefore, it is suggested that adults and children above 2 months of age is not recommended to use repellent that higher than 30%.
Why Lemon Eucalyptus Oil?
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is one of the EPA-registered repellent. Its active ingredient, p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD) is an alternative to toxic mosquito repellents and most likely acts by masking the environmental cues that mosquitoes use to locate their target.
The scientific publications proven that oil of lemon eucalyptus are remarkably close in effectiveness to DEET. It is not recommended to be used on children younger than three years of age.
Remember!
Apply repellents only to exposed skin or clothing
Don’t apply mosquito repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin or immediately after shaving.
Do not allow children to handle insect repellents.
When using on children, apply to your own hands and then put it on the child.
When applying insect repellents to children, avoid their hands, around the eyes, and cut or irritated skin.
After returning indoors, wash your child’s treated skin or bathe the child.
Clothes exposed to insect repellents should be washed with soap and water.
Although there is no way for us to prevent zero bites from mosquitoes, but we can reduce the chances of getting bitten!
Take precautions before it’s too late!
