Mosquito repellent is a must for preventing itchy, painful stings.
Liquid mosquito repellents are poured into your palm and manually rubbed onto your body rather than sprayed from a can. Spraying the product onto your skin can be wasteful, as some of the spray can get carried away by wind and get into your hair or eyes. Does this Spark an idea?
Chemical Repellents
Most mosquito repellents are made with the active ingredient DEET, a chemical formulated for use on people of all ages. The use of DEET has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Natural Repellents
If you prefer natural mosquito repellents, several options are available. Among them are products that have as their active ingredients lemon eucalyptus oil, geranium and soybean oil, garlic, citronella or catnip. They are typically applied in the same manner as chemical repellents, and those containing 30 percent lemon eucalyptus oil have been shown to work as well as those containing 10 percent to 15 percent concentrations of DEET. Check the labels of natural repellents, as some should not be used on small children.
Time Frame
Liquid repellents containing DEET can protect your skin from mosquito bites for up to 12 hours, while natural ingredients typically offer protection for only up to four hours. In general, higher concentrations of the active ingredient protect for longer time frames, so check the package for specific guidelines and apply according to the instructions.
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