| Insect Repellent |
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An insect repellent is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourages Insect s (and Arthropod s in general) from landing or climbing on that surface. There are also insect repellent products available based on sound production, particularly Ultrasound (inaudibly high frequency sounds). These electronic devices have been shown to have no effect as a pest repellent by studies done by the EPA and many universities.1 Insect repellents help prevent and control the outbreak of Insect-borne diseases such as Malaria , Lyme Disease , Dengue Fever , Bubonic Plague , and West Nile Fever . Pest animals commonly serving as Vectors for disease include the insects Flea , Fly , and Mosquito ; and the arachnid Tick . Common insect repellents include:
Usually insect repellents work instead by masking human scent, or by using a scent which insects naturally avoid. Permethrin is different in that it is actually a contact Insecticide s. For protection against mosquitos, the U.S. Centers For Disease Control recommend DEET, icaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for skin, and permethrin for clothing, gear, or Bed Net s.3 Oil of lemon eucalyptus was found to be more effective than other plant-based treatments, and had similar effectiveness to low concentrations of DEET. 4 Some of these repellents are not recommended for use on younger children. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency states that studies show that citronella oil shows little or no Toxicity when used as a topical insect repellent. They claim that the main hazard of citronella oil is that it is an irritant.5 Safety and effectiveness concerns have been raised regarding the use of citronella.6 SEE ALSO REFERENCES
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