Mosquitos are not just annoying bloodsuckers. They are considered as the world’s most dangerous insect because they carry devastating diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, etc., which kill more than a million individuals a year. So you should take measures to avoid getting bitten by them.
Having a great bug repellent or bug spray is one of the ways to keep mosquitos at bay. There are more than enough mosquito repellent products in the market from which to choose and sometimes the option can be quite overwhelming. The most common and effective are products containing diethyltoluamide (DEET). DEET is powerful enough to protect humans from bugs but this ingredient can be detrimental to aquatic animals such as fish.
So if you have aquatic pets, it would be better to find products containing permethrin and picaridin. This ingredient can also be toxic for your furry pets including dogs and cats. It can cause skin irritation, seizures, and vomiting. If you applied a DEET repellent, make sure your pets won’t lick your skin where you applied the product because it may poison them. If they do accidentally lick you, immediately bring the animal to the vet.
While DEET, picaridin, and other chemical bugs are proven effective at repelling harmful mosquitos, they also have some drawbacks such as having a terrible smell and possibly messing up your clothes. If you do not like chemical bug spray, eco-friendly options are also available in the market.
1. Off! Deep Woods
OFF! is one of the most popular providers of bug repellents in the market today and there’s a good reason behind it. They are indeed producing products that work. If using products with DEET is perfectly fine for you, then the Deep Woods Bug Spray by OFF! is a worthy choice. This product contains 25% of concentrated DEET. Despite the percentage of DEET, this product has amazingly a palatable fragrance like a hint of pine (but the smell might still vary).
OFF! Deep Woods is also easy to apply. The aerosol spray is not heavy, uncontrollable or drippy, unlike other DEET mosquito repellent products. It also contains just enough product for fast coverage when spraying. A little spray of this product can already go a long way so it will be better if you spray just once and spread the repellent around using your hand. It works for up to eight hours.
It is important to remember, however, that this product contains DEET which is toxic to marine animals. So if you are a fisherman, love fishing, or have aquatic pets, be careful using it. Also, keep it away from your kids because if they accidentally ingest it, they may become sick.
2. Repel Dry Family Insect Repellent
If you are looking for a DEET based mosquito repellent but contains a lesser amount of the chemical and is safe for young children, the Repel Dry Family Insect Repellent is a good option. It only contains 10% of DEET, but does keep bloodsucking insects away for up to four hours. And unlike other DEET based mosquito repellent products, this one does not leave a slick and greasy feeling. It dries quickly on the skin after application and does not cause skin itchiness or pain. When it comes to smell, you may be able to catch a hint of the distinctive DEET aroma.
You can apply this product to your kids except those that age two months and below. Any products containing DEET are not safe for infants below two months old. So make sure you consider and check the age restrictions before buying any insect repellent. When it comes to application, this product scores great. The spray gives more controlled, a smaller stream so you can easily avoid overapplication.
3. Premium Insect Repellent With 20% Picaridin By Sawyer
If you are afraid to use mosquito repellent products with DEET but want something proven effective, get Premium Insect Repellent with 20%t Picaridin by Sawyer. This product is also a good option for individuals with sensitive skin and nose. It is almost odorless and can be used for children over six months old. When applying this repellent to young children, be careful not to get it into their eyes. Picaridin can irritate their eyes. This product is capable of warding off insects of the mozzie, sandfly, and gnat varieties. And compared to DEET, picaridin will not ruin plastic-based clothing or plastics. It can still be toxic to wildlife.
4. Premium Permethrin by Sawyer
Sawyer also produces a bug repellent that not only kills mosquitos, but it also eliminates anything that comes in contact with it. The Sawyer Premium Permethrin contains Permethrin, an odorless solution that doctors usually prescribe to patients with scabies and lice. This solution also works wonders against most creepy crawlers. Unfortunately, the product only stays on the skin for only about fifteen minutes after application. To keep the product effective for longer hours, spray it on clothes. Besides, this product is a great insect spray for clothing.
As an odorless solution, this Sawyer Premium Permethrin is also ideal for individuals who love going out in the wild and hunting. It does not emit odors that can keep animals at bay. So if you want to go into the woods, do not want to get bitten by bloodsuckers and do not want to send animals running, this product is a worthy pick. The repellent can be applied to clothes, hammocks, sleeping bags, tents, and any fabric that you wish to use outdoors.
5. Insect Repellent By Cutter
If you are looking for a more natural option, try the lemon eucalyptus insect repellent manufactured by Cutter. It is DEET-free and contains an active ingredient derived from Lemon Eucalyptus tree oil to repel mosquitos for up to 6 hours. This pump-top spray is also very easy to apply. When using this product, it is recommended not to apply it more than once a day.
Another great thing about this product is that it is not excessively oily compared to chemical-based repellents. But it’s odor is a bit strong. It has a citrusy smell with a hint of menthol that not everyone may like.
How To Choose The Right Repellent
If you are planning to explore the market for more mosquito repellents, below are some points you should consider to be able to find the best one that fits your requirements.
First, determine the ingredients you wish to use. The perks and disadvantages of the most common and effective ingredients of mosquito repellent like DEET and picaridin have already been stated above. Also, take the amount of active ingredient you need. If you are going outside for just a few hours, find and use a mosquito repellent product with 10% DEET. If you are traveling or visiting a high-risk area, you can use products with 20% DEET. When applying the product, do not get it in your eyes or inhale it.
Second, make sure to read the product labels. Know the ingredients used and the warnings. Some products may have flammability warnings. Also, learn how often you can apply the repellent and what should be avoided.
Third, consider the smell. Some products smell terrible. Others have a strong herbal smell. If you are not comfortable with the smell, it is likely that you won’t be comfortable around other people and will less likely enjoy your trip (if you are traveling). Some of the mentioned products above are odorless so you can consider using them.
Take note that mosquito repellent products can only get you so far. If you want to avoid the bloodsucking insects, make your place unattractive to them. Mosquitos thrive and breed in stagnant water. So removing standing water in your home and yard is a smart move. You should also remove yard thrash including grass clippings, leaves, and twigs because they also make mosquito breeding areas. Furthermore, keep your gutters clean and ensure that the downspouts are properly aligned. Keeping your place clean is one of the best ways to avoid mosquitos.
If your house is bombarded with pests that already affect your day-to-day life, calling a professional pest control company can be your best move. Professional pest exterminators in North Carolina have the right equipment and knowledge to properly control pest in your area and keep your place free from them as fast as possible. Leaving the pest extermination job to the experts can also save you time and hassle if you deal with them yourself.
Lake Norman Pest Control is a professional pest control service provider that you can trust. We take the client’s safety as a priority so they used only strategies and products that are safe for pets, environment and for the whole family. After reaching out to the team, we will deploy adept staff members to inspect your place and determine the best possible treatment for whatever concern you have. The team will make sure that the pests will be eliminated and won’t return, so your place will be pest-free and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are safe.
