Repellents protect from insect-borne diseases.
Repellents provide protection from insect-borne disease. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorizes the active ingredients in repellents as biopesticides (natural) or conventional (chemical).
Function
The function of a repellent is to mask the odor of the host. All repellents do this by blocking an insect's olfactory receptors, making it unable to smell its host.
Ingredients
Lavender is a natural insect repellent.
Natural repellents are made from the oils of plants, including: rose geranium, palmerosa, bay, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, lavender, tickweed, lemon balm (citronella), cedar, peppermint, tea tree, rosemary and orange oil.
Conventional repellents are made in laboratories. The two most prevalent repellents in use are: N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) and 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 1-methylpropyl ester (Picaridin).
Application
Repellents are available in many forms.
Natural repellents are available in lotions, sprays and area candles. Conventional repellents are available in liquids, lotions, sprays, and impregnated materials (e.g., wrist bands). Repellents can be applied to clothes, skin and hair; they should be kept out of the eyes.
Effectiveness
Make a repellent specifically for bees.
Essential oils evaporate, making frequent reapplication necessary. An essential oil repellent is most effective when made for a specific pest. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), DEET and Picaridan have been proven to be effective for several hours depending on formula.
Precautions
No known adverse reactions exist to customary application of natural repellents. Conventional repellents should be used sparingly on pregnant women and children; avoid using these repellents on infants under two months of age or on open cuts or sores. These chemicals may cause seizure and death in sensitive individuals.
Tags: Conventional repellents, from insect-borne, lotions sprays, Natural repellents, repellents available