How to Keep Bugs from Bugging You This Summer

There are so many reasons why summer is my least favorite season, I hate the heat, the humidity, the yardwork and last, but by no means least, the insects. Bugs, bug me!! I'm sure much like me over the years you've tried all kinds of repellents, electronic devices, yard sprays, candles, torches, etc. Did I mention I also hate bug repellents?

Consumer Reports is always my go-to source for products which work, at reasonable prices. So, why not consult them on insect repellents? Many people, although very concerned about disease-carrying insects spreading everything from West Nile to Lyme disease and more, are also worried about the chemicals they use on themselves and their kids to repel said bugs.

There is very good news in Consumer Reports' latest research and tests. Since its introduction in the 1950's DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-tolumide) has been the go-to insect repellent. But deciphering what percentage of DEET in a product is safe and effective has been a quandary forever and in high concentrations can cause rashes, disorientation and even seizures. Some even recommend against its use on babies.

So thankfully two other products have been discovered which are more natural in derivation, generally safer for more people than DEET and also effective repellents. Picaridin mimics a product which occurs naturally in black pepper plants and Oil of lemon eucalyptus comes from the gum eucalyptus tree.

Both can cause minor eye, skin and lung irritation but are not nearly as problematic as DEET. They can cause damage to material they are sprayed on and weirdly, both products seem to remove nail polish. Consumer Reports as always stresses the importance of reading product directions, especially in regard to infants.

These are the Consumer Reports recommendations for using insect repellents:

• Apply repellents only to exposed skin or clothing (as directed on the product label). Never put it on under clothing. Use just enough to cover and only for as long as needed; heavy doses don’t work better.
• Don’t apply repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• When applying to your face, spray first on your hands, then rub in, avoiding your eyes and mouth, and using sparingly around ears.
• Don’t let young children apply. Instead, put it on your own hands, then rub it on. Limit use on children’s hands, because they often put their hands in their eyes and mouths.
• Don’t use near food, and wash hands after application and before eating or drinking.
• At the end of the day, wash treated skin with soap and water, and wash treated clothing in a separate wash before wearing again.