With the official start of summer kicking off this past weekend, there is often a discussion of insect repellent spray versus insect repellent pipes. With the continued threats of the West Nile virus and Lyme disease, many individuals are blocking their positions. Apart from these primary concerns, the simple fact is that insects carry bacteria and insect bites cause bug-borne disease. However, the average disease, if you will, can only result in an uncomfortable rash or skin irritation. Therefore, the idea of seeing your children in a daily chemical fog may prove to be equally inconvenient.
When I open the sliding screen door any time after 5PM, I perk like a Pavlov dog. This is followed by “drill sergeant” type inquiries of my children; “Where are you going?” “Did you put on bug spray?” No. “Come back and take the position!”
My kids, on the other hand, walk out in the temporary sticking mess, depending on the products we use. In the past, I have tried sprays, lotions and oils to prevent my children from becoming food for mosquitoes and ticks. The wipes are compact and can easily fit in my pocket or purse, so when we are not at home, it is not that little added sense of urgency to arrive at our destination without the added worry.
Yet many of my friends agree that they would like to limit their children’s exposure to potentially toxic chemicals. So I decided to have a look at the pros and cons of mosquito repellent spray vs. insect repellent wipes.
Why you need to use insect repellent spray
Here are the reasons why you should catch insect repellent spray
Here’s why you use anti-insect wipes
Here are why you should hold on insect repellent wipes
So how would you personally weigh the risk of insects this summer? Will you base your decision on chemicals or lack thereof? Would you opt for all-natural versions of insect repellents and apply frequently? You may have decided to spend time outside this summer. What about your summer vacation? Are mosquitoes the same everywhere? Are your current insect repellent jobs everywhere you are?
Do not sweat it!
In addition to using a natural mosquito repellent, knowing that your body is the weakest is a plus. Carbon dioxide attracts mosquitoes, so when you are hot or exercising, mosquitoes may find you extra tasty. They are also attracted to moisture and that includes perspiration. Exercise, as well as eating foods high in salt and potassium, will release an excess amount of lactic acid to your system, which will entice the mosquito population. It is not only perfume, shampoos, body lotion, body wash and sunscreen on your body that makes you unsafe to bite, but also the subtle aroma of dryer sheets and fabric softener in your clothes.
These are valid questions to ask yourself whenever you scratch that place behind your knee. Even if there are no smaller sizes available, you can easily pack your favorite insect repellent in your suitcase and hope that your luggage will reach your destination when you do. Call me “Nervous Nancy” but where my children are concerned, I double the safety when out of my normal routine. So, my carry-on will have insect repellent wipes as well as a bottle of our favorite repellent spray.
I just like the “little bag of moms trick” feature and being prepared for any situation, including the fact that the U.S. Even when traveling inside, many stores and chains do not carry the same products. Natural bug sprays and wipes are not the only nontoxic ways you can fight mosquito bites and other insects. I would love to hear your thoughts.