Bugs Bite!
Our recommendations for repelling those unwanted pests.
Summer is in full swing in Central Texas, and that means bugs. our exceptionally warm winter followed by a wet spring has increased summer populations of pests, including the peskiest of all, mosquitos.
While mosquitos have always been a nuisance and their bites itchy or irritating, they also spread diseases that are cause for concern, including the Zika virus, which is becoming a more prevalent threat each day.
With mosquito bites posing significant health concerns this summer, Austin Woman researched the best strategies to combat pests. Here’s what we found.
There is a variety of products available, from topical skin sprays and lotions to candles, wristbands and even protective clothing.
Mark Anderson, founder of Mosquito Fixes, says there are three different active insect- repellent ingredients approved by the EPA: Deet, picaridin and IR3535. All these synthetic ingredients performed comparably in scientific studies and are considered safe for anyone older than 2 months of age.
However, many people choose not to use chemical elements on their children or themselves. Natural, homeopathic remedies also exist, mostly relying on essential oils, such as lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass and citronella. Whatever your situation, we’ve looked into the best ways to beat the bugs for you and your family.
KIDS
Anderson recommends a spray low in Deet concentration. Cutter’s family spray and wipes have only 7 percent Deet, as opposed to the typical 15 to 25 percent found in some other products.
Repellent recommendation: Cutter All Family Mosquito Wipes, $4.99 for a 3-ounce package, cutterinsectrepellents.com
PETS
CEO Stephanie Boone of Austin-based Wondercide developed her pet- friendly products after her dog, Luna, developed pesticide poisoning from a vet-prescribed flea-and-tick treatment.
Repellent recommendation: Wondercide Natural Flea, Tick & Mosquito Control for Pets, $24.99 for a 16-ounce spray bottle, wondercide.com
SENSITIVE SKIN
Since Deet is the most aggressive ingredient in most products, people with sensitive skin should try essential oils and other natural repellents first. If those aren’t effective, try synthetic products made with picaridin or IR3535.
Repellent recommendation: Goat Milk Stuff Bug Out Lotion in mango butter, $22 for a 4-ounce tub, goatmilkstuff.com
ORGANIC
Look for a biodegradable repellant that is both dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic, as well as safe for the environment and possesses zero toxicity impact on animals and wildlife.
Repellent recommendation: BugBand insect repellent band, $4.95, bugband.net
CLOTHING
Clothing containing permethrin, an invisible, odorless repellent, will also shoo the flies away and is helpful for trips and expeditions on which mosquitos are a constant annoyance.
Repellent recommendation: ExOfficio Bugsaway Lumen Long-sleeve Shirt, $60, exofficio.com
Try This: Make the clothing you already wear repel mosquitos with Wool Ease Dryer Balls. Just pop these natural fabric softeners, made with a special blend of lavender and geranium essential oils (natural mosquito repellents), into the dryer with your clothing. Wool Ease Dryer Balls, $12.95 for a pack of three, wooleasedb.com
NATURAL
Dr. Josh Axe, a clinical nutritionist, suggests these options for making your own repellents at home:
• Mix 1/2 cup witch hazel, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 40 drops of lemongrass pure essential oil in an 8-ounce spray bottle and store it out of direct sunlight. Spray the mixture over your body, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
• Mix one drop each of lemongrass oil, citronella oil and eucalyptus oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil and rub on the skin. Note: Young children should avoid eucalyptus oil.
Treating Outdoor Areas
Nip your mosquito problem in the bud by making sure you don’t have standing water outside your house, such as in a birdbath, garbage cans, low areas of the yard or the trays of potted plants. Water sitting stagnant for more than seven days is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
You can also simultaneously beautify and protect large outdoor spaces by filling your garden or backyard with mosquito-repelling plants, such as citronella, lemon balm, catnip, marigolds, basil, lavender, peppermint, rosemary and geraniums.
The majority of bug sprays and repellents can also be sprayed around yard or patio areas, and most brands sell versions designed specifically for outdoor spaces. When in doubt, put out the mosquito coils and citronella candles.
When to see a doctor
Dr. Bill Tierney, chairman of the Department of Population Health at Dell medical School at the university of Texas, advises seeing a doctor if your mosquito bites result in any of the following:
3 when the face is involved or the eyes are swelling shut
3 if you are having problems breathing (This could indicate a serious allergic reaction.)
3 if the skin becomes discolored or begins dripping pus (This could be a bacterial skin infection such as impetigo.)
3 if you develop an abscess or boil bigger than a large pimple 3 if you experience flu-like symptoms
Staying Healthy Through the Years
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