Choosing Effective Mosquito Repellent
One way to avoid diseases caused by mosquitoes that carry viruses and bacteria, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or chikungunya, is to use mosquito repellent, either in the form of lotion as well as spray or spray.
Both insect repellents work by protecting the chemicals on the skin, including carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes. Quoted from WebMDOne of the reasons mosquitoes bite you is because they are attracted to the carbon dioxide (CO2) that your body produces when you breathe.
Renee Anderson, Ph.D., an entomologist at Cornell University, New York says that carbon dioxide attracts mosquitoes because they like warmth and humidity. Apart from CO2, mosquitoes are also attracted to other chemical compounds in your skin. Especially when you sweat.
Mosquito repellent content to look for
Many drug stores sell various kinds of insect repellent. However, not all of them sell good quality mosquito repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you choose mosquito repellents that contain active chemicals that are registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
There are two lists of ingredients in mosquito repellent that are listed in the EPA. Both of these ingredients have a high degree of scientific efficacy. The two ingredients are:
- DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide)
- Picaridin (KBR 3032)
Apart from these two ingredients, there are herbal ingredients contained in mosquito repellents and this ingredient is also listed in the EPA, namely lemon eucalyptus oil. In two recent studies, this oil had the same skin protection as mosquito repellents (which have a low concentration of DEET).
Choose a long-lasting insect repellent on the skin
Apart from these two ingredients, experts also recommend using products that contain permethrin. These materials can be found in clothes, shoes, bed linen and camping equipment. Permethrin is very effective in repelling mosquitoes and also as a mosquito repellent.
However, experts recommend that you choose a mosquito repellent that you can use consistently. In addition, also choose to use mosquito repellent that is durable to use when you are outside the room. You can see the insect repellent content as well as the duration of its effectiveness on the packaging label. If you are concerned about its use or you have certain conditions against the use of mosquito repellents, you can consult your doctor.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.