Buzz Off!

By Rosien, Julia

WITH ALL-NATURAL BUG REPELLENTS AND A FEW SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS, YOU CAN ENJOY THE OUTDOORS THIS SUMMER-AND SAVE YOUR SKIN FROM THE SEASON’S STING

An afternoon spent outdoors can be one of the most satisfying ways to enjoy a beautiful summer day, but the risk of West Nile virus, Lyme disease and other insect-transmitted illnesses can turn an otherwise relaxing experience into an anxiety-provoking outing. Can you protect yourself and your family without slathering or spritzing on the pesticide DEET, which is especially harmful to young kids? Yes! There are safe options for keeping bugs at bay.

Beat the Bite, Naturally

All repellents, chemical and natural, camouflage your humanness by messing with insects’ olfactory senses. Going natural simply requires a shift in thinking, says Steven Kolmes, a biology professor at the University of Portland in Oregon. “If you want a product that’s safe, it’s going to be less convenient and you’ll need to reappiy it every two hours,” he points out. All bug repellents should be tested first on a small patch of skin to avoid allergic reactions. Also, experiment with a variety of combinations and brands because everybody’s chemical physiology is different.

In 2002, The New England loumal of Medicine compared several repellents. Oil of lemon eucalyptus tested similarly to low-level DEET, but is safer and lasts two hours. Soybean oil offers 94 minutes of protection with no known risks. Citronella protected for 20 minutes.

In other research on natural bug repellents, scientists from Taiwan found that cinnamon oil-an environmentally friendly pesticide- was actually more effective than DEET at killing mosquito larvae. To use any essential oil topically as an insect repellent, always dilute by mixing tsp. of essential oil (or a mix of oils) with about 2 oz. of almond oil.

The following repellents have plenty of anecdotal support but lack substantial scientific research:

* Essential oils: In addition to those mentioned above, cedarwood, rose-geranium, peppermint, basil, lemongrass and neem are all popular choices.

* Yarrow tincture: To apply, mix with water in a spray bottle; yarrow cream is also available and can be applied before heading outdoors.

* B vitamins: Taking B complex can make you a less likely target for mosquitoes, who find the odor produced by B vitamins offensive.

* Diet: Skip the banana: Even after being digested, the fruit can attract mosquitoes by giving off a bugfriendly scent through your skin.

Before You Step Outside …

It’s important to remember a few basics when it comes to dodging bugs. For starters, apply repellent before leaving home and then reapply every few hours to ensure continued protection. (For store- bought repellents, follow label instructions.)

White- and khaki-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts are still the best defense, wardrobe-wise. Hats are also a smart accessory-bees are thought to shy away from people who wear them. Also, go au-natural and avoid perfumes and scented products.

You may also want to visit the CDC’s website (cdc.gov) to gauge your risk before choosing the best repellent for you. People with immune-suppression disorders, those who live where ticks are prevalent, and young children may require more protection.

Copyright Active Interest Media Jun 2007

(c) 2007 Better Nutrition. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.