Deet vs Natural bug repellents!

West Nile Virus (and other mosquito-carried diseases) are leading many who would normally avoid toxic insect repelling chemicals, to start spraying and slathering on products containing the chemical, DEET, aka (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide).

There are valid, healthier options when it comes to repelling insects. Some ideas regarding the Deet vs natural bug repellents question fall into the category of folklore, myth and urban legends, but other natural remedies can be an effective means of protecting yourself and your loved ones from biting bugs and harsh chemicals.

With Deet vs Natural bug repellents, the natural versions tend to provide coverage for a shorter time, but their coverage is considered safer so you may find it worth the extra effort applying a bit more often. Most natural repellents only offer about one-tenth of the protection time found in DEET-containing products, so plan on reapplying every 30 minutes or so. Because of their shorter protection time, natural bug repellents are ideal for short evening outdoor activities like walking the dog or watering the garden.

Remember: Don't spray or apply any insect repellents (natural or chemical) over cuts, scratches, rashes, or other open spots in the skin. Also, be sure to avoid the eye area when applying repellents.

The most common, and most effective, natural bug repellents are various essential oils. Clove oil, citronella and rose geranium are the most effective against mosquitoes, but be careful with clove oil as it can be a skin irritant. Other fairly effective essential oils include: Lemongrass, eucalyptus, castor oil, peppermint, tea tree oil, lavender, and cedar. You can buy cedar oil in spray-on bottles at your local pet store.

It's important to remember when using essential oils, is to not use them internally. They need to be used externally on your skin and garments. Be sure to test any oils on a small patch of skin before applying widely to your body to avoid allergic reactions or skin irritations.

You can make your own insect repellent sprays by combining rubbing alcohol or witch hazel or vodka, or sweet almond oil with one of the listed essential oils, at a ratio of 10 parts carrier liquid to one part essential oil. Shake well before use. You can also add a few drops of your choice of natural bug repelling essential oils to your shampoo or liquid soap.

Note that some activities or actions may reduce the effectiveness of all insect repellents, such as clothing rubbing on your skin, natural evaporation, your skin's natural ability to absorb anything applied to it, sweat or rain washing off the repellent, and a windy environment.

Some research claims that garlic is an effective insect repellent, and I would consider using garlic in a garden or outdoors setting.

In deet vs natural bug repellents, probably the best repellent is Citronella, or Cymbopogon nardus, a grass like aromatic perennial that grows up to 3 feet. Citronella known to have therapeutic properties as an antiseptic, deodorant, insecticide, parasitic, tonic and as a stimulant. Generally, most people will associate it with its insecticide properties. Many commercial repellents contain Citronella and it is often used in combination with Cedarwood to produce a pleasant smelling natural insect repellent. It will also be seen in soaps and candles, and it has common applications in massage. This oil can also help with a minor infection, but is more commonly known for its ability to assist in combating colds and flu. Citronella can also be used for excessive perspiration and for conditioning oily skin and hair. This essential oil goes well with Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Cedarwood, Geranium, Lemon, Orange, Lavender and Pine.

There is a concern about placing or spraying bug repellents over broken skin and the complications of this actually happened to my mother. I think that every year that first day of summer leaves us unprepared. It is these days that we tend to get a sunburn, and we are also not prepared for the ever ready insect bites.

One good example of Deet vs natural bug repellents was inadvertently done by my mother. After one evening of mosquito bites, my mother defended herself by using a Deet product. For months she didn't feel quite right, and the doctor diagnosed her as having a blood infection. She finished her medication, felt better for a while, but it came back. After another visit to the doctor, and a little detective work on his part, he determined that her lethargy/blood infection was due to the chemicals in the Deet repellent. After this proper diagnosis, she did get better, but it was almost year a feeling ill by this point.

This type of toxicity also happened to a customer of mine. His mother was telling me that her city son was up for the rural weekend and had developed asthma all of a sudden, got an inhaler, and was wondering how this happened at 32 years old. I asked if he had gotten insect bites and then used a deet product, and he had. I passed on my information and the correct action was initiated.

Symptoms of a toxic reaction to deet may appear as something else, as a blood infection in one, and as asthma in another. I make a natural bug repellent soap that I sell through pet stores for people and their pets using the essential oils that are listed above. It is a very popular bar, safe for cats, dogs, horses, people and the environment. Even the bar alone, sitting on your nightstand can keep the insects away while you sleep!

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