Warm sunshine, lazy days and the pesky pests including mosquitos, black flies and other insects. Ah yes, the bane of the summer season.
Many people want to steer away from using DEET as their insect repellant, and for many a good reason. DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), is a powerful insecticide and a registered pesticide. Like many topical products it is absorbed through the skin and passes into the bloodstream. The most serious health concerns about DEET are its effects on the central nervous system.
Often people look for natural alternatives to DEET and quite frankly there are some around (citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus oil) and provide natural protection although they must be applied more frequently for their effectiveness,
Prevention is best and if you know you will be in an area heavy with insects, make sure to dress in long cotton pants and shirts covering any exposed skin and still keeping cool.
When these precautions fail and you are suffering from a number of bites, alleviate any pain, swelling and itching by using such natural remedies including ice and lavender and tea tree essential oils.
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