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Bug Repellent: Some Safer AlternativesA nontoxic bug repellent can help you have a bug-free summer without worrying about exposing yourself and your family to risky chemicals. One of those chemicals is DEET, the most common ingredient found in insect repellents.
DEET was developed in the 1940’s for the military and overall has a good safety record except that recently many people have implicated it as the cause for seizures in children. This is still being checked out by the Environmental Protection Agency but DEET can also cause redness on your skin and irritation. If you’d rather be safe than sorry, there are natural alternatives. Natural citronella is the most well-known alternative to DEET. We all remember those citronella candles from our childhoods, right? Citronella is an essential oil that is the strongest natural insect repellent that provides protection from bugs without compromising safety. When blended with other oils like lemongrass, cedar or rosemary, it becomes very effective and the smell is tolerable. You just have to remember to put plenty on when you go out and then reapply often for maximum protection and effectiveness.
Another alternative natural bug repellent that’s been developed recently is Geraniol. This is a powerful ingredient extracted from geranium oil. It’s been developed as an insect repellent by a company under the name “Bugband”that comes in a spray, towelettes or a band that you wear around your wrist. It’s biodegradable and has been shown to be safe for the environment and isn’t known to be toxic to animals or wildlife at this point. You can find it at Target and Bass Pro Shops or you can order online.
Other companies are starting to develop insect repellent technologies that work better than DEET. One such company is working on a product that targets insect receptors of invertebrates but not humans or animals. You’ll soon begin to see other products come on the market as companies respond to consumer’s desire for safer yet effective products.
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