The Truth About Mosquito Treatments and Their Impact On Our Health

Summer is a time to get outside and enjoy all the fun activities during the season. Whether you’re enjoying a game of volleyball at the beach, flipping burgers at a cookout, or relaxing by the pool, the last thing you want to deal with is the annoyance of mosquitoes. Along with the dreaded itchy bumps caused by their bite, mosquitoes can be much more dangerous to your overall health. Carrying diseases such as West Nile Virus, Western Equine Encephalitis, and La Crosse Encephalitis, it is important to prevent contact as much as possible.

Use of effective bug repellant sprays or yard treatments will drastically decrease the presence of these disease distributors around you and your home. While both types of repellents are effective, what are their effects on our health?

In this blog, our experts will outline different types of mosquito repellants while discussing their safety to our health.

DEET

An effective mosquito repellent, DEET, is a chemical that has been used since the mid-1950s and is found in many different brands of bug spray. Whether you prefer lotion or spray, the concentration amount of this chemical will vary depending on what brand you use. Take note that any concentration above 50% will not provide more protection. For this reason, most products usually contain a maximum of 35%.

While this is known to be harmless, prolonged use of DEET products can irritate the skin, especially in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that insect repellent products used on children should contain a maximum DEET concentration of 30%, while further suggesting using products containing only 10%.

IR-3535

Long-used in Europe, this insect repellent is odorless and contains no harmful ingredients. With the strength to provide 8 hours of protection yet gentle enough to be used on babies, IR-3535 is an excellent alternative to products containing more aggressive ingredients.

It is also a better choice for the environment. This product takes care of your skin and will not cause harm to any fish or aquatic organisms should they come in contact with you.

Yard Treatments

Requesting assistance from pest control experts to spray your yard is a great way to reduce the overall population of mosquitoes surrounding your home. While this option is highly effective, there are precautions to consider. The pesticides in the spray can cause temporary harm to you and your four-legged friends. Although minor, the effects can include dizziness, headache, and nausea.

To avoid this, you and your pet are urged to remain inside during the time your yard is being treated. Once the spray has settled, you and your furry friend can return outside without worry of mosquito interruption.

Bonus Repellant Option

Oil of lemon eucalyptus provides the same protection as products containing 15%-20% concentrations of DEET. This product is also safe for children as young as three years old.

Give Us A Call

At Accel Pest and Termite Control, we are dedicated to ensuring you and your family enjoy the outdoors this season. Give us a call at (877) 716-7522 so we can take care of any unwanted pests around your home!