A Natural, Effective Alternative to DEET Bug Spray
We all hate bugs biting and bother us while we're outside in the summer months. We liberally apply bug spray to our bodies to make sure they don't bite, and it sometimes works. It's become more than just convenient to be using it nowadays, too, as mosquito born illnesses proliferate like West Nile Virus and Malaria. DEET was introduced in the 1960's, and proved to be a somewhat effective bug killer, but has harmful effects on the human body, wildlife, and the environment. Luckily, Chartreuse offers an all natural bug spray with distinctive aromas of eucalyptus, cloves, menthol and camphor that are natural, effective mosquito repellents.
The Benefits of Going DEET Free
Why use all natural bug spray? There are a number of reasons...
Look at these staggering statistics from The Medical Sciences Bulletin (published by Pharmaceutical Information Associates Ltd.):
"Up to 56% of DEET applied topically penetrates human skin and 17% is absorbed into the bloodstream." Blood concentrations of about 3 mg per liter have been reported several hours after DEET repellent was applied to skin in the prescribed fashion. DEET is also absorbed by the gut.
DEET can also have a serious affect on the nervous system, inhibited motor skills and possibly leading to memory dysfunction. DEET is also especially dangerous for children. It is not recommended to use this chemical on them, as the negatives really outweigh the positives.
And, it's not just us that bear the brunt of DEET's health risks from both production and use. The compound is very toxic to birds and aquatic life, causing them to have difficulty in reproducing, and leading to thinner eggshells and a lower chance of survival. The overuse of DEET has tainted approximately 75% of U.S. water sources.
Recent studies have found that DEET does not block the insects' sense of smell but simply stinks to them, U.S. WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2008 (Reuters). These same studies found that mosquitoes also reacted, even more strongly, to compounds known as terpenoids, which help make up the distinctive aromas of eucalyptus, cloves, menthol and camphor. In the past few years, Lemon Eucalyptus has gained the approval of the EPA and Center for Disease Control as an effective alternative. While natural options are not quite as long-lasting as DEET, they are proven repellants, and work well if reapplied frequently.
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Mosquitoes Love to Bite
Learn more about how mosquitoes find their prey
Compounds on our skin give away where we are to mosquitoes. Bug spray is stronger than these compounds, and make bugs want to leave. Watch this video to see more of how mosquitoes find their prey and food.
curated content from YouTube
All Natural and Chemical Free
Buy you and your children the best!
All Natural DEET Free Bug Spray
from Chartreuse
$7.95
4 oz container
Shake well before use. Avoid mouth and eyes. Reapply after swimming or exercise. This product does not kill insects, but will help keep them away from you. Be sure to check out other items like the paperless towels, skin soothing spray for sunburns, all natural diaper cream, organic facial cream, and organic shower gels.
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent
An electronic device that helps protect you from bugs
Thermacell provides additional protection against mosquitoes outside. Use of one of these where you are eating really does turn them away in a small area. For the price especially, these are effective used in addition to all natural bug spray.
ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 11/12/2009)
Great for hunting, fishing and camping. Provides 15 ft. diameter protection. Repels mosquitoes for up to 12 hours. Also works on black flies. Contains 1 reusable appliance, 1 cartridge (0.42 oz.) and 3 insect repellent mats (0.08 oz. each). Odor free.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
A Poll on Pests
What do pests do to you while you're outside?
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- GreenEcoBean GreenEcoBean May 4, 2009 @ 8:57 pm
- VERY good info, especially for the summer! 5*!
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