Summers in New Jersey can be hot, humid, and filled with annoying insects. In order to spend as much time as possible outside, many people turn to bug spray products that can be applied on the skin to keep insects away.
Here’s a look at how bug spray works so that you can enjoy the rest of the season without being bitten or itchy. And if bug sprays aren’t getting the job done, Precise Termite & Pest Control can help.
Different Types of Insect Repellent
Insect repellents come in various forms, such as sprays, creams, and oils. These substances are designed to protect the body from insect bites because those bites can result in skin irritations and even the transmission of diseases. There are chemically-based repellents and plant-based repellents sold on in stores and online today. Chemical bug sprays often contain DEET, while plant-based repellants use natural ingredients that are less toxic but perhaps not always as effective.
How Bug Sprays Affects Insects
Contrary to what some people may think, insect repellents do not kill bugs. Insecticides are products that are made to kill bugs, while insect repellents only deter them from landing on your skin. Insects are attracted to humans by carbon dioxide, and bug spray masks the scent of carbon dioxide so that insects can’t find us.
Mosquitos are the most common insect that we use buy spray to deter in our part of the world. Mosquitos are attracted to the scent of carbon dioxide, as well as lactic acid and odors emitted from moist, warm skin. When you use an insect repellent, you create a vapor barrier that tastes and smells bad to mosquitos. This makes them less likely to land on your skin and bite you.
Ingredients in Insect Repellent
Insect repellents are synthetically made in labs to use the power of chemicals to keep insects away from people. In addition to DEET, man-made insect repellents often contain methyl anthranilate, benzaldehyde, and dimethyl carbate. Picaridin, permethrin, and lemon eucalyptus oil are other common ingredients that you’ll find in insect repellents.
Natural insect repellents typically contain botanicals that are more environmentally friendly and safer for humans to use, compared to synthetic and non-biodegradable products. These types of insect repellents often contain citronella, lavender, pine, catnip, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, garlic, and peppermint.
What to Look for in an Insect Repellent
The type of insect repellent you choose is a personal choice, but there are a few things you might consider looking for when you are shopping for a new insect repellant product. It is beneficial to choose a bug spray that works against multiple types of biting insects and not just mosquitos. You’ll also want a product that does not irritate the skin and that lasts for at least several hours after application. Many people also choose repellents that are non-greasy and odorless.
Get Help with Biting Insects
Sometimes it takes more than just spraying yourself with insect repellent to keep bugs away. For those times, Precise Termite & Pest Control can offer professional extermination solutions for your home, business, and property. We are Northern New Jersey’s specialists for fast, effective, and affordable pest control, and we’re here to help you make the most of your time outdoors.
Call us at 866-971-2847 or contact us online to schedule your free inspection.