4 Myths About Insect Repellants

Considering the fact that ticks, mosquitoes, and other insect pests carry diseases, we’ve all become more aware of the effectiveness of personal insect repellents. In this article, we are going to debunk four common myths about insect repellants. You and your family can be protected from certain pests by using specific pesticides and repellents.

According to Kelly M. Semrau, senior vice president for global corporate affairs, communication and sustainability at SC Johnson, using insect repellent regularly is the best way to protect oneself from bug bites and insects that may carry disease. Selecting the right insect repellent for family activities should be the first step when spending extended periods outdoors. Protecting yourself from ticks doesn’t end with tick repellent. 

You can win the war against pests by following these steps. However, the products have been the subject of some misconceptions over the years. Here are some myths to debunk so that you can protect your family.

DEET and Picaridin are Unsafe Chemicals

A product of the United States Department of Agriculture for use by the armed forces in mosquito-infested areas, DEET has been on the market since 1957. It is the most common ingredient in tick, mosquito, and other pest repellents. When data is used correctly, it has proven to be safe. The World Health Organization and CDC have evaluated picaridin’s safety as well. You should use repellants with these chemicals according to the directions.

Repellent Doesn’t Work

As SC Johnson says, “The instructions on the product label must be followed before applying every type of product.” Applying sunscreen is similar to reapplying it.

DEET and Picaridin Kill Ticks and Mosquitoes

That’s not true. To prevent ticks and mosquitoes from spreading, you must reapply DEET and picaridin several times throughout the day.

A Higher Percentage of An Active Ingredient is Better

It is only the higher percentage that indicates the duration of the event. The nature of the activities you’ll be performing, the time you’ll spend outside, as well as what type of insects you may run into when buying a repellent will help you determine the concentration of active ingredients you need. Always follow the instructions provided on the label.

Make sure that you understand how long these repellents work before using them.

Final Words

The use of insect repellents helps prevent you from being bitten by insects, thereby reducing your risk of contracting diseases carried by mosquitoes or ticks. A variety of insect repellents and tick repellents are available. If you plan to be outdoors, it can be hard to decide which products you will use. Using insect repellent helps you avoid mosquitoes. The blood-sucking bugs are attracted to scented body products, especially those with solid floral smells. These blood-suckers are sometimes tempted to other products you use on your body. If you want to know more about pest control and pest control services, you can contact us, and we would be happy to assist you. 

 

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