Are You Correctly Applying The Mosquito Repellent?

Do you know more than 700,000 people die worldwide every year because of mosquitos? 

Their bloodsucking bites can cause severe diseases, including Malaria, Dengue, West Nile Virus, Zika, Yellow Fever, and Chikungunya. 

These fatal health disorders can take a toll on human health. Thankfully, several treatments, repellents, and innovations have been raised that are effective. It is essential that you take precautions and protect yourself. Mosquito repellent is one of the most effective ways to prevent deadly mosquito bites. 

What Is Mosquito Repellent? 

Mosquito Repellent is a substance put on clothes, skin, surfaces, or stuff with only one aim to discourage mosquitoes from coming near that surface. Various types of mosquito repellents, such as roll-on, spray, liquids, serums, or wearable devices, are available in the market. There are numerous ways to apply mosquito repellent. Moreover, you can opt for natural mosquito repellent, too. But they only offer indoor protection. In another case, go for mosquito repellents, lotions, creams, or serums to prevent outside mosquito bites. 

Repellents are made of synthetic chemicals or botanically derived products. Synthetic chemicals contain diethyltoluamide (DEET), Picaridin, or PMD, while botanically-derived repellents have plant extracts like eucalyptus, citronella, melaleuca, peppermint, and Leptospermum (tea tree). 

The efficiency of a mosquito repellent completely depends on the type of repellent and concentration of the ingredients. However, the most effective mosquito repellents are the ones that contain DEET or Picaridin. For example, a mosquito repellent with 10% DEET concentration can protect you for 2-3 hours, while a repellent with 20%-40% DEET concentration can protect you for 4-6 hours. To know the exact DEET concentration, read the product packaging. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/health/malaria-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatments/ 

How Does Mosquito Repellent Work?

Female Mosquitoes bite human blood to extract protein, which is required to make eggs. They attract through the odor or smell of our skin while searching for the next blood feed. In this case, mosquito repellent helps distract them. A variety of repellents are present in the market, which we have discussed above. 

Every mosquito repellent works differently. 

• Some repellents contain synthetic chemicals that stop mosquitoes from feeding blood.
• Some mosquito repellents contain pyrethrin that paralyzes mosquitos' wing muscles and prevents them from attacking you. 
• Some repellents use chemicals that make human body odor or smell disappear, typically making you invisible to mosquitos. 

How To Correctly Apply Mosquito Repellent? 

There is no rocket science in applying mosquito repellent. There are some guidelines that you should follow before applying any mosquito repellent. 

1. Every repellent has a set of instructions; read them carefully before applying. 
2. Only spray or roll over the exposed skin and clothes like shirts, socks, shoes, and pants. 
3. Don’t apply it in enclosed areas or under your skin.
4. Don’t apply repellent to open wounds, cuts, irritated, or sunburned skin. 
5. Be sure of the consistency. Don’t apply too much repellent. 
6. Avoid products that contain both sunscreen and mosquito repellent. 
7. In the case of children, don’t allow them to apply it by themselves. 
8. Follow the above instructions, apply mosquito repellent on your hand, and then put it on the child. 

Other Safety Precautions Regarding Mosquito Repellent

Follow the above instructions carefully, but there are other safety precautions that you should take. 

1. After returning home, wash your skin with soap and water. 
2. Wash your repellent clothes before wearing them again. 
3. Check if the repellent is prone to fire or has any warnings about flammability. If yes, avoid areas with lit cigarettes or open flames. 
4. Some mosquito repellents don’t work on lice or fleas. 
5. Avoid applying repellent on animals. Only apply if the product says it is for animals. 
6. Keep them away from the sight of children. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/health/dengue-fever-and-its-symptoms/ 

Best Natural Mosquito Repellents

There are several products available on the market, including natural mosquito repellent. Some of the natural repellent products are: 

1. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
2. Geraniol 
3. Catnip Oil 
4. Cinnamon Oil 
5. IR3535 (Merck 3535)
6. 2-undecanoate 
7. Nootkatone
8. Thyme
9. Clove Oil 
10. Fennel 
11. Neem Oil 
12. Celery Extract 

Key Takeaways 

By applying mosquito repellent, you can save yourself from some deadly diseases. Apply repellent correctly by following the above instructions. Always look at the product label to determine the DEET concentration in any repellent. If you have been bitten by a mosquito recently, get yourself tested at Redcliffe Labs. We will also do your test from the comfort of your home. 

FAQs 

Q1- Is it okay to sleep with mosquito repellent?

Ans1- There are different theories to it. It is recommended that you read the labels correctly. Additionally, consult your doctor to have a better understanding. 

Q2- What is the correct way to apply mosquito repellent? 

Ans2- The correct way to apply repellent is only to expose skin or clothes. Don’t apply it under clothes or near sensitive areas like eyes, mouth, and ears. 

Q3- Is it good to use mosquito repellent?

Ans3- In a few rare cases, repellent may affect the skin. Although most repellents are safe to apply, if you have any allergies, read the label and consult your doctor for a better understanding. 

Q4- How long does a mosquito repellent stay?

Ans4- It completely depends on the DEET in repellent. The higher the DEET concentration, the longer the repellent stays. But, on average, a mosquito repellent can stay from one to two hours. 

Q5- When should one apply mosquito repellent?

Ans5- Apply mosquito repellent right after applying sunscreen.

Q6- How often should repellent be applied?

Ans6- If you are being bitten by a mosquito repetitively, apply the repellent daily. Moreover, symptoms like sweating, perspiration, or getting wet indicate that you should use mosquito repellent daily. 

Q7- Why Use Mosquito Repellent?

Ans7- Mosquitos contain several deadly diseases like dengue, malaria, yellow fever, and more. A mosquito repellent can help prevent you from getting a mosquito bite.