Bug Off!: Safe Insect Repellent
As the West Nile virus season kicks into high gear (according to the CDC, most cases occur during late summer and early fall), it becomes more important to protect ourselves against mosquito bites. But you may not want to spray yourself with DEET every day either (I know I don’t!): although considered safe for usage in small quantities by CDC & EPA, some studies have shown detrimental health effects in regular users. On the other hand, mosquito-born diseases like West Nile can be very dangerous. Fortunately, there are two alternatives that provide protection comparable to repellents with low-levels of DEET. First, there is Picardin, which is considered healthier than DEET. And there is an effective plant-based repellent, lemon oil eucalyptus (click here to read more). Of course it also helps to stay inside at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active and to wear long clothing is mosquito-heavy areas.
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