The "Low Down" on keeping pesky mosquitoes away!

OK, I admit it. I'm a mosquito magnet. What can I say! Those pesky critters love me. As a result, I've been forced to do some research on the subject. Here is what I found. I hope it helps some of you readers (by the way, this is working out to be a long post. Sorry about that!).

Some General Facts:

- Wear light clothing; mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. And try to wear long pants and long sleeves to prevent being bitten. Citronella candles can also sometimes be beneficial, but DEET is the most effective repellent.

- Mosquitoes have complex methods of detecting their targets and different types of mosquitoes react to different stimuli. Most mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk, but there are also mosquitoes that seek their targets during the day.

You can avoid being bitten by making sure you aren't attracting mosquitoes by:

- Using attractants to lure mosquitoes elsewhere
- using a repellent
- avoiding actions that diminish the effectiveness of the repellent.

What Mosquitoes are attracted to:
(Don't shoot the messenger here. I'm just reporting what I found)

Use this list of items and activities that attract mosquitoes as a list of things to avoid or that can be used as bait to lure mosquitoes away from you.

Dark Clothing - Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants.

Carbon Dioxide - You give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising. A burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide.

Lactic Acid - You release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating certain foods (e.g., salty foods, high-potassium foods).

Floral or Fruity Fragrances - In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

Skin Temperature - The exact temperature depends on the type of mosquito. Many mosquitoes are attracted to the slightly cooler temperatures of the extremities.

Moisture - Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts of water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes. Standing water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce.

Some Natural Repellents:

These natural products should effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent re-application (at least every 2 hours) and higher concentrations than DEET. Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient.

As you can see, natural repellents tend to be volatile plant oils.

- Citronella Oil
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
- Cinnamon Oil
- Castor Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Lemongrass Oil
- Cedar Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Clove Oil
- Geranium Oil
- Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an insecticide. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

Things that Lower Repellent Effectiveness:

- Many Sunscreens
- Dilution from Rain, Perspiration, or Swimming
- Absorption into the Skin
- Evaporation from Wind or High Temperatures

Keep in mind that 'natural' does not automatically imply 'safe'. Many people are sensitive to plant oils. Some natural insect repellents are actually toxic. Therefore, although natural repellents provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals, please remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products.

OK, confused now? Full of despair?

In my humble opinion, there is really one option which works almost every time; repellents which contain DEET! There have been many reports about the safety of DEET (and as with any product... used outside the manufacturers recommendations, they can cause harm).

Here are some safety (and common sense thoughts) that we all should be aware of:

The EPA recommends the following precautions when using insect repellents:

- Repellents should be applied only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use under clothing.

- Never use repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.

- Don't apply to eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using sprays do not spray directly onto face; spray on hands first and then apply to face.

- Do not allow children to handle these products, and do not apply to children's hands. When using on children, apply to your own hands and then put it on the child.

- Do not spray in enclosed areas. Avoid breathing a repellent spray, and do not use it near food.

- Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Heavy application and saturation is unnecessary for effectiveness. If biting insects do not respond to a thin film of repellent, apply a bit more.

- After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or bathe. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly in a day or on consecutive days. Also, wash treated clothing before wearing it again.

- If you suspect that you or your child are reacting to an insect repellent, discontinue use, wash treated skin and then call your local poison control center. If/when you go to a doctor, take the repellent with you.

If you know of any remedies which work every time, please post them for all of us to benefit from.

Well, that's it. Hope this helps. Let's take back our woods!

The Happy Camper