Mosquito Repellent

The mosquito is the cause of numerous infectious diseases e.g. malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever etc. In fact, it serves as a vector to pass on such illnesses from person to person. Mosquito control is the procedure used to manage mosquito numbers. Different ways are used to control mosquitoes from growing and spreading diseases.

Sometimes, controlling the source of reproduction and growth of mosquitoes is achieved by decreasing their number i.e. removing standing water. Natural predators like dragonflies, mosquito fish and killifish are used to prey on mosquitoes.

In this fashion their population is kept under control and the likelihood for mosquitoes to cause any harm are reduced. Different sorts of insecticides are also used to eradicate mosquitoes.

A mosquito repellent serves the purpose of keeping an individual from the attack of mosquitoes which could cause serious damage to the health of the individual. A mosquito repellent is a substance which is used to repel and discourage mosquitoes from landing and biting. The out beak of mosquito-borne diseases can be controlled and prevented by the use of such repellents.

The body chemistry of every person is different, which is why some individuals attract mosquitoes more than others and become a part of a mosquito?s? menu more frequently. Study proves that synthetic repellents are more effectual than natural repellents. The reason is the long lasting nature of synthetic repellents.

DEET and IR3535 are very frequently used repellents. DEET is a somewhat yellowish oil which is applied to the body or clothing to deter mosquitoes. It must be used very carefully because it can cause skin reactions and irritation.

DEET is the oldest repellent in use; it having been invented in 1946. Its protection lasts for about five hours. IR3535 is a chemical repellent which is found in Avon products such as their ?Skin So Soft? line of goods.

Rather than applying synthetic repellents, natural repellents can be made by mixing different natural oils in specific concentrations depending on the type of mosquito. Citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus, clove oil, cedar oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil and cinnamon oil are the most popular oils used as natural mosquito repellents. The refined form of oil of Lemon eucalyptus is a very effectual insect repellent.

Mosquito coils i.e. mosquito-repelling incense, is also commonly used in Asia, South America and Africa. It is usually a coil made of Pyrethrum powder, shaped into a spiral. Contemporary mosquito-repelling coils burn for about eight hours without a flame.

Their ability to repel mosquitoes is very robust; it is also cheap and easy to use. Health and safety worries are of immense importance when using such coils. The spark from the coil could ignite a fire and the smoke contains formaldehyde which is very harmful to health.

Children and pregnant women should use mosquito repellents very carefully. The label on the repellent must be read very carefully before use and the directions ought to be followed strictly. Mosquito repellents ought to be kept out of the reach of children because of their harmful effects on health.

Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on a number of subjects, but is at present concerned with the Aedes mosquito. If you would like to know more or check out some great deal, please go to our web site at Indoor Bug Zapper.