Don’t let those uninvited guests crash your summer party. 🚫🦟🪰
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The Bliss of Banishing Bugs
Believe it or not, despite the itching desire to avoid insect bites, studies show that only 35% of people regularly use insect repellents! It’s a bit like willingly stepping into a mosquito’s all-you-can-eat buffet, isn’t it?
Insect repellent is an invisible force field that comes in various forms, such as sprays, lotions, creams and even fashionable wearables like bracelets and patches.
These magic items are designed to keep mosquitoes, ticks and other pesky critters at bay, preventing their bites and the diseases they carry. From the epic DEET-based repellents to those containing natural ingredients like lemon eucalyptus oil, there’s a repellent for every preference and situation.
The Origin of Insect Repellent Awareness Day
Insect Repellent Awareness Day, also known as Bug Off Day, was created by he London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine to educate and empower people in the battle against bugs.
The first event was held in 2014.
Scientists, health professionals, and enthusiastic bug warriors joined forces and through creative campaigns, social media initiatives, and informative resources, the event grew in scope and impact.
From Bug-Shooing to Bug-Beating
Long before we could spray away these tiny vampires, our ancestors used creative methods to ward off bugs.
Smoke is the oldest surefire way to ward off insects, but it also repels our lungs.
Ancient Egyptians burned herbs and plants to create aromatic fumes, while the Greeks and Romans relied on plants like wormwood and marigold.
Along the path, we’ve also encountered some peculiar remedies like rubbing with onions or garlic to keep insects away.
Fast forward to the 20th century where scientists began inventing repellents like DEET, which revolutionized the way we defend ourselves against those tiny biting buggers.
The Bug Battle Arsenal
Insect repellents come in various forms, from sprays and lotions to candles and wristbands, each armed with its unique bug-banishing magic.
DEET-based repellents:
These magical brews contain about 20-50% DEET which repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies and even red bugs.
Picaridin-based repellents:
Picaridin-based repellents keep mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies at bay.
Citronella Oil:
Not to be confused with the citronella tree.
Citronella oil is distilled from lemon grass and repels mosquitoes.
It’s probably best to just plant citronella in your garden because the oil fades away quickly, but the lemon grass itself stays fragrant 24/7!
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE):
This oil derived from the lemon eucalyptus tree smells quite nice and repels mosquitoes and ticks.
OLE is scientifically proven to be almost an equal to DEET in effectiveness, but distinguishes itself by being natural and maybe also a bit more environmentally friendly
Permethrin:
This substance is not directly applied to our skin, but instead is used to turn clothing and gear into a bug-repelling cloak against ticks, mosquitoes and other bugs.
Repellent Safety and the Environment
Most insect repellents for humans have proven to be toxic to cats and dogs and probably several other animals as well. So don’t apply these repellents to your animal companion and don’t let them lick you when you are wearing a repellent.
Consult with your veterinarian to find the right bug-banishing solution for your pet’s needs.
Natural does not always equal safe. All repellents, even pure botanical ones, should be used according to instructions.
Be careful especially with essential oils. These oils contain concentrated active substances from the plant they’re distilled from. Using them undiluted will get you sick or worse. And they can be especially toxic to cats!
While insect repellents play a vital role in protecting us from bites and diseases, some formulations can have unintended consequences on our ecosystem. Pesticide-based repellents, for example, can have harmful effects on beneficial insects and other wildlife.
To minimize our environmental impact, opt for eco-friendly repellents that utilize natural ingredients and sustainable practices.
An environmentally friendly solution for the garden is to plant pet-safe insect repellent plants like basil, lavender and even catnip. Catnip as a plant is a very effective mosquito repellent while it attracts the much friendlier butterflies instead. It is said that this may be one of the reasons that cats love this plant so much. Catnip does not only make them feel good for a little while, but it makes them feel safe for a good part of the day as well!
Benefits and Drawbacks in the Insect Repellent Game
Consider the following points before choosing your defense against the winged invaders:
Benefits:
Bug-Free Bliss:
Repellents contribute to our physical well-being, allowing us to enjoy outdoor activities without the annoyance of constant swatting and scratching.
Disease Prevention:
Repellents play a vital role in preventing insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and Lyme disease.
Drawbacks:
Effectiveness:
Not all repellents are created equal.
Some may offer only temporary relief, requiring frequent reapplication, while others may fail against certain insect species.
Toxicity Concerns:
Some repellents contain chemicals that may raise concerns about their potential toxicity to humans and pets.
Choose wisely and follow usage instructions.
Environmental Impact:
Some repellents may have adverse effects on the environment, particularly aquatic ecosystems.
Choosing for eco-friendly options can help minimize collateral damage.
Potential Side Effects:
While rare, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to certain repellents.
When using a new product, always test a small patch of skin before widespread application.
Staining and Corrosion:
Repellents may leave unsightly marks on your clothing or corrode your favorite gear.
User Experience:
Is the application pleasant, or will it leave you feeling greasy, sticky or overwhelmed by its odor?
How to Celebrate Bug Off Day
Here are a few tips to join the buzz:
Stock Up:
Arm yourself with the most potent bug-fighting arsenal.
Bug-Off Attire:
Dress up in mosquito net fashion, bug-print attire or accessorize with insect-inspired jewelry.
Bug-Free Picnic:
Host a backyard picnic, protected by a Force Field of Insect Resistance, of course!
“Buzz Off” Disco:
Mosquitoes can’t handle your smooth mooves!
Share the buzz:
Capture bug-free moments and share them on social media using hashtags like #InsectRepellentAwarenessDay, #BugOffDay and #RepelTheBuzz.
Appreciating the power of insect repellent magic not only saves us from annoying itchy bites but also protects us from diseases carried by these miniature terrors.
And if anyone asks why you’re dancing with a bottle of bug repellent in your hand and a fly swatter in the other, just tell them that Wild Calendar gave you permission to do so.
Happy Insect Repellent Awareness Day!
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