With the hot, humid, and dry summer months ahead, we can finally look forward to being outdoors and enjoying all the fun activities summer has to offer.
However, summer is also a time where mosquitoes and deer ticks like to roam and make our lives miserable and uncomfortable.
The best way to reduce bites is to use an insect repellent when spending time outdoors in mosquito-infested areas. Unfortunately, not everyone takes these precautions.
According to a survey conducted by Harvard University for the Harvard School of Public Health Project on the Public and Biological Security, 45 percent of adults in the United States did not take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
Most insect repellent products applied to the skin contain one of three active ingredients:
• DEET
• Picaridin (also called KBR 3023)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (a plant-based compound)
These repellents temporarily keep hungry mosquitoes from identifying you as a food source. The higher the concentration of DEET or picaridin in a product, the longer its protection will last. An application of standard oil of lemon eucalyptus product protects you about as long as a product containing DEET at a low concentration.
Used according to package directions, insect repellents are generally safe for children and adults, with a few exceptions:
• Don’t use DEET-containing products on infants younger than 6 months.
• Don’t let young children get DEET or picaridincontaining products on their hands or faces.
• Don’t use picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under age 3.
Here are some other tips and recommendations to make sure you make it through mosquito season:
• Wear light-coloured, loose clothes and avoid scented products when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn, which is the peak feeding time for mosquitoes.
• Remove areas of standing water near your house as they can be breeding areas for mosquitoes.
• Clean Gutters: Gutters clogged with debris allow stagnant water to form perfect landing zones for mosquito eggs.
• Wear closed shoes and a hat to avoid deer ticks. Tuck pants into socks.
• Inspect your clothing and body after exploring wooded or grassy areas.
