1 of 15

Write now Article Tools

How can we repel mosquitos?

Unfortunately, it is a scientific fact that mosquitoes aren't repelled by anything, and no mosquito repellants can actually drive mosquitoes away. Instead, mosquito repellants work by reducing the natural odors that a person emits or by damaging mosquitoes' smell receptors. For instance, when a mosquito encounters DEET, the chemical damages its lactic acid receptors, and the mosquito will no longer be able to identify people (specifically, the lactic acid in their "carbon dioxide signature"). Most other insect repellants work in a similar fashion; they either confuse mosquitoes' olfactory receptors or they mask the attractive odor that human bodies give off (e.g., some mosquito bite repellents give off a "plant odor", causing the mosquito to sense that the wearer is a plant and look elsewhere for its food).

DEET is the most effective chemical repellant on the market.

Repeated studies have shown that DEET is the most effective chemical repellent on the market, and for this reason, most commercial mosquito repellents use DEET as their primary active ingredient. Products with 24% DEET, like "OFF! Deep Woods," protect their wearers for about five hours.

Many people have voiced safety concerns over the use of DEET, especially for children, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), after extensively assessing the safety of DEET, concluded that "as long as consumers follow label directions and take proper precautions, insect repellents containing DEET do not present a health concern." Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics has said that it is safe to apply repellent with low concentrations of DEET (10% or less) to any infants over 2 months old. (Do not use DEET on infants under 2 months of age.)

When DEET hospitalizations occur, they are usually due to gross overuse or ingestion. If you're concerned about the potential health hazards of insect repellents, use the lowest concentration of DEET which provides protection for the length of time you will be exposed to mosquitoes. Also, avoid repeated applications of DEET, which may increase its potential toxic effects, and wash your skin when you return indoors. Try to avoid spraying near food, your eyes, mouth and nose, under clothing, or directly on skin. If you feel obliged to apply chemicals to open skin, use cream, lotion or stick formula insect repellants. Avoid products (commercial or home-made) with high amounts of alcohol (e.g., vodka, rum, etc.) because it enhances absorption

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Keep mosquitoes at bay?
We want to hear your view. Write now!