As the weather warms up and mosquitoes become active, people need to pay close attention to the type of mosquito repellent they choose.
Which Repellent Is Best?
A team of researchers at New Mexico State University tested a range of products promoted for preventing mosquito bites. Only DEET, a tried-and-true insect repellent, and oil of lemon eucalyptus were very effective at discouraging Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
This is important because this type of mosquito carries viruses that cause Zika, yellow fever, chikungunya and dengue. People are understandably anxious about a possible spread of Zika during a long warm season.
What Didn’t Work:
Wearable devices such as bracelets were almost totally ineffective. People should not rely on them. Citronella candles, a popular product for people who don’t like bug spray, did not work well either.
The scientists urge consumers to read the labels on their spray and choose one with lemon eucalyptus oil or DEET. When there is a possibility that a mosquito bite could lead to a serious infection, only the most effective repellent will do.
Rodriguez et al, Journal of Insect Science, online, Feb. 16, 2017
6/17/19 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/how-can-you-prevent-tick-bites/
