Mosquito Repellent
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011The mosquito is the cause of many infectious diseases e.g. malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever etc. In fact, it serves as a vector to transmit such diseases from person to person. Mosquito control is the method used to manage mosquito numbers. Different methods are used to control mosquitoes from increasing and spreading illnesses.
Occasionally, regulating 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 way their number is kept under control and the likelihood for mosquitoes to cause any damage are reduced. Different types of insecticides are also used to eradicate mosquitoes.
A mosquito repellent serves the purpose of saving an individual from the strike 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 managed and prevented by the use of such repellents.
The body chemistry of each 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 shows that synthetic repellents are more effectual than natural repellents. The reason is the long lasting nature of synthetic repellents.
DEET and IR3535 are very commonly used repellents. DEET is a somewhat yellowish oil which is applied to the body or clothing to discourage mosquitoes. It should be used very cautiously 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 strong; it is also cheap and simple to use. Health and safety concerns are of great 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 ought to use mosquito repellents very cautiously. The label on the repellent must be read very carefully before use and the directions should be followed precisely. Mosquito repellents should be kept out of the reach of children because of their deleterious effects on health.
Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on a number of topics, but is currently concerned with the Aedes mosquito. If you would like to know more or check out some fantastic offers, please go to our web site at Indoor Bug Zapper.