Adventure Network : Stings & Bites : Insect Repellents: Chasing off the little buggers.

By Michael Hodgson

Since the first human hand swatted vainly at swarms of mosquitoes, man has been valiantly trying to repel an insect onslaught every time he heads outdoors-for good reason. Mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and black flies all have bites which can cause painful irritations at best and debilitating or fatal diseases at worst. Besides dressing in light colored clothing that protects as much of the skin surface as possible, using a repellent can help to prevent bites.

Despite fears of DEET (N,N diethyl-m-toluamide)-associated health risks (risks the DEET manufacturers vehemently deny, pointing to reams of scientific study) and the increased attention given natural alternatives, DEET-based repellents are still acknowledged as the best alternative when serious insect protection is required. Regardless of the manufacturer-led downplay of DEET risks, it does seem logical to assume that if DEET can peel paint, melt nylon, destroy plastic, wreck wood finishes and damage fishing line, then it must be hell on the skin-perhaps worse.

It is being theorized by a growing number in the scientific community that repeated applications of products containing low-percentage levels of DEET actually creates a greater risk for absorbing high levels of DEET into the body than one application of a 30- to 50-percent DEET product with an effectiveness of four to six hours. Also being studied is the possibility that low levels of DEET, which might not otherwise be of toxicological concern, may become hazardous if they are formulated with solvents / dilutents (considered inactive ingredients) which may enhance the absorption rate.

How safe are natural alternatives? It is important to remember that essential oils, while derived from plants that grow naturally, are chemicals too. Some are potentially hazardous if ingested and most are downright painful if they find their way into the eyes or onto mucus membranes.

While Citronella products work for up to two hours to repel mosquitoes, flies, gnats and midges and then require reapplication (the same holds true for other natural formulations). Products using low-percentage levels of DEET also require reapplication every two hours to remain effective, increasing the potential for higher absorption rate. That said, I would suggest that if you're going outside for only a short period in an environment where insect bites are more an irritant than a hazard, you would do just as well to "go natural."