Table Of Content
We found all of the scents to be pleasant, and the night sky reminded us of a light cologne. This reduces both the waste of a tossed-out bottle and the cost of additional repellent. Bloodsucking ticks are one of the most unpleasant bugs, with a bite that can carry Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Though both usually respond well to antibiotics, if left untreated, they are potentially fatal. Ben’s Tick Repellent Spray focuses specifically on this bug (which is related to spiders rather than insects), providing long-lasting protection of up to 12 hours. The active ingredient, picaridin, is also known to work against mosquitoes and flies, though no time period is given.
Keep ants away with baby powder
"Most mints are very high in oily aromatics that are easily extracted from the leaves," says Pavlich. "Mint repels cabbage moths, ants, mice, and fleas." It's best to plant mint in containers, as it is a prolific grower that can take over the landscape. But did you know that those fumes might be doing more than just making you feel uncomfortable? According to a new study, exposure to pesticide fumes can actually be harmful to your health. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California – Berkeley, looked at data from over 2000 people who were exposed to pesticides while working in agricultural fields.
OFF! Botanicals Insect Repellent
They can hitch a ride on packages, the bottoms of your shoes, plants, and nearly anything else that you carry in with you. To avoid inadvertently being responsible for an infestation in your home, inspect everything that you bring inside with you. For one thing, make sure each cat has its own dedicated litter box, and try using a little less litter at a time to make it easier to clean and keep fresh. Clean the box itself regularly, completely replacing the litter each time. Another thing you can do is buy silica-based litter, which is bad for insects' exoskeletons.
Bug Protection
How to Make DIY Mosquito Repellent That Will Actually Prevent Bites - Martha Stewart
How to Make DIY Mosquito Repellent That Will Actually Prevent Bites.
Posted: Wed, 24 Apr 2024 21:22:30 GMT [source]
To determine the ease of application, we applied the bug spray to our arm and took note of the texture of the spray on the skin. We also paid attention to the repellent's drying time and its absorption into the skin, being mindful of any sticky or greasy residue. We then evaluated the scent of the mosquito repellent, including the strength of the chemical odor or sweetness (or lack of it), as well as the duration.
We like that the Proven repellent has a completely clear bottle, which makes it easy to see how much is left. Natrapel’s bottle has a small viewing window along the side, but it’s not as easy to see how much repellent is in there. Rosemary repels common garden pests, including Japanese beetles, carrot flies, slugs, and snails. If your house smells like bug spray, it’s probably because you’re using too much of it.
Baits (Best for Specific Insects)
Some companies, including Sawyer and Proven, sell repellent lotions with a 20% picaridin concentration. But we don’t think repellent lotions are the best option for general use, although they may work in your specific circumstances. It is also available in a 6-ounce aerosol (twin pack), which offers a continuous spray. We found it harder to use than the pump spray, but it offers the same protection, if the pump spray is out of stock or if you simply prefer the aerosol format. The only real downside to the Sawyer picaridin repellent is that it has a slight off-smell to it when first applied.
Our Top Bug Sprays
We think these provide solid repellency for long enough to recommend—just be mindful of the reduced coverage time. Off Defense Insect Repellent 1 With Picaridin is available in both an aerosol can and a pump-spray bottle (we generally prefer the latter). It’s very similar to our Sawyer pick, but it doesn’t have the range of buying options or the second cap. We have yet to use it, but with the 20% picaridin, it should have the same repellency as the others.
At night, be sure to remove the food bowls from the floor regardless. The 6-ounce can uses an eco-friendly pump action rather than aerosol, though the contents still are flammable. The nongreasy formula is unscented and will not damage clothing or equipment. Excess doses of bug spray with strong chemical additives can in rare cases lead to skin irritation or blisters. If you experience negative symptoms, discontinue use and speak with your health care provider. On whether organic sprays are effective, research suggests they are effective to a degree but may fall short to products including DEET and similar additives.
Jessica is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in both lifestyle and clinical health topics. Before Forbes Health, Jessica was an editor for Healthline Media, WW and PopSugar, as well as numerous health-related startups. When she isn't writing or editing, Jessica can be found at the gym, listening to a health or true crime podcast, or spending time outside. She also really enjoys bread (even though she's not supposed to eat it). The upside is that Taurus SC is extremely good at getting rid of ants, termites, cockroaches, and wasps — all species that live socially. This product is great at curbing their populations before they come inside.
We looked at Off’s Deep Woods Insect Repellent V and Deep Woods Insect Repellent VIII (Dry), and, for a DEET option, neither is as good as Cutter Backwoods Dry. Deep Woods Dry is the better of the two, but the spray is thick, and it puddled on our arms. The CDC also reports epidemics of the mosquito-transmitted West Nile virus in the US.
A pest control company can help you tackle a serious or persistent infestation. From hanging ribbons and cards to sticky stands specifically designed for potted plants, sticky traps are an easy way to catch a cluster of gnats. You'll just have to keep an eye on it and replace the trap once it's full. Plug-in traps, like the Zevo Flying Insect Trap, can be extremely effective. Bug zappers typically attract flying insects with a UV light, then trap and collect the small bugs.
When properly applied, permethrin is extremely effective, providing protection for roughly six washings. For a bug repellent that’s safe and effective—and that won’t stink or leave a puddle of oil on your skin—skip the DEET and get a picaridin formula, like Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent. It’s the best bottle of bug spray we found after testing over 25 repellents and talking to everyone from the EPA to the American Mosquito Control Association. If you’re concerned about the safety of bug spray, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
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