Safe and effective use of mosquito repellanats

Repellents are available in the form of creams, lotions, sprays, wipes, roll-on sticks, foams, liquid vaporizers, sprays, coils, mats, etc. These repellants work either by masking human odor or by their own odor that mosquitoes dislike. These are made either from synthetic chemicals or plant derived chemicals. DEET or N N Diethyl benzamide are made from synthetic chemicals. Allspice, basil, cedar, cinnamon, citronella, garlic, geranium, lavender, neem, peppermint, pine, rosemary, thyme, and verbena are some of the plants whose oils are reported to repel insects. Plants such as marigold, Thai lemon grass, and catnip are believed to ward off mosquitoes. Permethrin is a contact pesticide used to kill insects. Electronic devices are also used to repel the mosquitoes and these devices use ultrasound and electromagnetic waves to do this.
DEET is the most commonly used mosquito repellant and believed to be used by 30 per cent of the US population. Studies conducted so far are inconclusive with regard to health hazards caused by the mosquito repellents but it is common belief that higher concentrations of the ingredients used in these repellant may pose several risks to users. Some of the side effects of the repellants include nervous weakness, insomnia, impaired cognitive function, seizures, dermatitis, Nose allergies, gastric problems, wheezing attacks and breathing problems may also be caused by smoke based repellants and aerosol sprays. Author of this article has herself experienced stomach problems with smoke-based repellants and sprays of a particular brand. In some cases, humans may experience memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain. The most frequently reported symptoms of DEET toxicity in children are lethargy, headaches, tremors, involuntary movements, seizures, and convulsions. There are no direct evidences to suggest that above listed problems are caused by a particular repellant but there is consensus among researchers that prolong use or frequent re-dosing of these repellants is responsible for the side effects. Hence, it becomes imperative to follow the guidelines for their safe use to avoid any risks to the human health.

- Read the instructions for use printed on the label before using the repellant. Apply according to the directions on the label.

- Don't use a particular type or brand of the repellant if it is allergic to any member of the family. Try other brand or type. If smoke-based repellant aggravate asthma or creates breathing problems, use liquid or other type of repellant.

- Use the repellants for a brief period to reduce prolong exposure
-Keep repellants away from the reach of children

-Don't allow children apply repellants to themselves

-Don't apply repellants on parts of the young children (like hands) to avoid eye contact or ingestion

- Wash off the repellants after each use

-Pregnant women should avoid exposure to repellants

-Don't use smoke-based repellants in the closed rooms (not having proper ventilation)

- Do not use lotions on wounds and cuts, mouth and eyes

- Apply repellants to the exposed body parts only

-It's better to use repellants to clothing than to skin if applicable

-Use small amounts of repellants on children as high doses may create skin disorders.

-Dress children and yourself in long sleeves and long pants to avoid exposure to mosquitoes

- Do not use repellants that have sunscreen creams as their ingredients. If necessary first apply sunscreen creams and than repellant

- Repellants may be absorbed by the body and can cause toxic effect. Thus, use as small amount as necessary.

-Don't apply repellant lotions or creams on babies less than six months of age

- Chemicals such as pyrethrum used in repellents could harm humans in the long run and should not be applied to skin.

- It's not advisable to use oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under three years of age

-Use different types of repellants alternately as mosquitoes develop resistance to a particular type of repellant

- While using sprays, spray the repellant and come out of the room immediately after spraying, keep the doors and windows closed for approx. 15 minutes,. Also cover your mouth with cloth and avoid inhalation of fumes when spraying the chemical. After 15-30 minutes of spray, open the windows of the room and switch on the fans. Read the instructions for use.

- Keep the windows open when using smoke or vapor-repellants. Read the instructions for use.