Plenty of mosquito repellents line the shelves of drug stores and supermarkets each summer, but they're not all created equally.
The majority of available mosquito repellents derive their effectiveness from chemicals.

 

Protecting the public from mosquitoes since 1957, DEET continues to be the chemical of choice used in repellents. In repeated studies, it's been proven the most effective chemical repellent on the market. Repellents with 23.8% DEET (most formulas contain between 10% and 30%) protect wearers for about five hours, according to a recent study led by Mark Fradin, PhD, researcher with Chapel Hill Dermatology. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts suggest that it is safe to apply repellent with low concentrations of DEET (10% or less) to infants over 2 months old.

In 2005, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) began recommending alternatives to DEET for repelling mosquitoes. Picaridin, which is new to the U.S., has been used worldwide since 1998. It has proven to be as effective as DEET but is more pleasant to use because it has a light, clean feel and is virtually odorless. Picaridin is safe for children older than 2 months. This substance is marketed as Cutter Advanced.

The other new CDC recommendation is oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is available under the Repel brand name. This product offers protection similar to low concentrations of DEET. Lemon eucalyptus is safe for children older than 3 years.

The chemical IR3535, better known as Avon's Skin-So-Soft, has also been marketed as a repellent in the U.S. in recent years. To date, research shows it's much less effective than DEET

Safety of DEET Repellents

Just how safe is it to coat yourself in a chemical-based product like DEET just to keep from getting bit by mosquitoes?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), after extensively assessing the safety of DEET, concluded that "as long as consumers follow label directions and take proper precautions, insect repellents containing DEET do not present a health concern." The agency does, however, offer the following safety strategies for DEET use:
· Follow label directions and precautions.
· Use sparingly.
· Avoid spraying on or near open skin, eyes, mouth, and nose, under clothing, or near food.
· Wash treated skin with soap and water.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides these additional recommendations for DEET use on children:
· Select the lowest concentration effective for the amount of time spent outdoors.
· Avoid use on infants under 2 months of age.
· Avoid repeated applications, which may increase the potential toxic effects of DEET.

Alternative Repellents

Want to avoid chemical-based repellents altogether? Alternatives do exist, with one or two showing promise.

Soybean oil-based repellent is considered the best because it is able to protect from mosquito bites for about 1.5 hours. Researchers hve found other oils -- citronella, cedar, peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium -- provide short-lived protection at best. Oil-of-eucalyptus products, however, may offer longer-lasting protection, preliminary studies show.

Hate to spray or slather yourself with any product, either chemical- or plant-based? Mosquito traps, a relatively new product, may be the answer. They work by emitting substances that biting mosquitoes find attractive -- such as carbon dioxide, heat, moisture, and other mosquito-friendly byproducts. They attract, then trap or kill female mosquitoes. When placed strategically near breeding spots they have knocked mosquito populations down.

 
So, is it worth the effort it takes to prevent mosquitoes from nipping at your ankles? Yes, if you don't want to be bothered by bouts of mosquito-induced itching all summer long. Certainly, if you are one of the few unfortunate souls in whom mosquito bites result in severe allergic reactions. And most definitely if you believe you're likely to be exposed to potentially fatal mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus.
For more information on the West Nile Virus in the Cook County area, visit these sites:
www.cookcountypublichealth.org
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm                                                                                                                      
The Illinois Department of Public Health has established a toll-free information line on WNV: 866-369-9710.