It’s easy to get bugged in summer—from picnic ants that arrive uninvited at the feast, to flying things that bite and sting, and maddeningly invisible bugs that gorge on you and your family while you attempt to pedal, paddle, or hike. Tired of serving as a private buffet? Instead of hiding indoors until the snow returns, it’s probably time to break out an effective insect repellent.
Natural repellents usually contain soybean oil or one of several different essential oils derived from botanicals, including catnip, eucalyptus, lavender, geranium, clove, tea tree, rosemary, and citronella, each of which may be effective for varying amounts of time. Popular synthetic brands most often include the controversial chemical DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET repels insects by blocking our body heat and the scent of lactic acid and carbon dioxide given off by human skin—all of which attract biting insects to us in the first place.
Among the natural solutions recommended by Toronto-based naturopath Vanessa Lee, BSc, ND, are wearing light-colored clothing buttoned at the collar and cuffs, avoiding the use of perfumed body care products, and staying indoors at dawn and dusk, which are prime bite times. Lee adds that vitamin B1 (thiamine) can be taken orally by adults as a natural insect repellent, explaining that excess thiamine is eliminated through sweat glands. Though undetectable by humans, its odor can be repellent to mosquitoes and black flies. Her recommendation for adults is typically 75–100 mg per day, starting two weeks before mosquito season to saturate the thiamine stores, and then maintaining that dose throughout the season.
Products containing essential oils can be applied to both skin and clothing (though some oils may stain). They should be applied just before going out, Lee elaborates, as they tend to wear off sooner than DEET-based products. She suggests re-applying regularly—as often as every 25–90 minutes, depending on the product. Lee says that soybean oil appears to have a longer-lasting effect than some essential oils, including citronella (lemon balm). She strongly advises avoiding contact of all products with broken skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, including the mouth. "Before applying to large areas, do a test patch to ensure there’s no irritation; as with all chemicals, be they natural or synthetic, there is a risk of an allergic reaction.”
What's So Bad About DEET?
What about commercial products containing DEET? The storm over DEET has to do with studies showing harmful health effects, including eye and skin irritation, and neurological symptoms in children and adults—and even death in the event of ingestion. However, even natural repellents pose risks if ingested or used inappropriately.
“Children are more susceptible to the potential toxic effects of DEET because their skin absorbs it more easily, their organs are not fully developed and cannot process it as effectively, and their neurological systems are more sensitive,” says Lee. “If it is used on children, avoid skin contact, and apply only to clothing. Monitor them to avoid skin and eye contact. Pregnant and nursing women should consider avoiding DEET-based products as a precautionary measure, as DEET can be excreted through breast milk."
Despite these issues, and additional debates over DEET’s effect on the environment, many experts believe it’s perfectly safe to use, even for children, provided the directions for application are strictly adhered to. Originally approved for human use in 1957, it was reevaluated and reapproved in 1998 following further testing. Manhattan-based dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz, host of DermTV—an online talk show devoted specifically to skincare—says the fears over using topical products containing DEET are overinflated. Cases involving toxicity, he says, all resulted from the misuse and improper application of DEET-containing preparations. In fact, when it comes to thwarting biting insects that carry life-threatening diseases, including encephalitis, West Nile virus, malaria, dengue fever and Lyme disease, it’s the longest lasting and most effective ingredient. If you live in an area where Lyme disease or encephalitis is an issue, or if you’re traveling to a location where disease transmitted by biting insects is a problem, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons yourself.
“The natural repellents containing [essential] oils are somewhat effective—and sometimes as effective—as low-dose DEET (6–7%) products,” says Schultz, “but they never measure up to the protection afforded by 20–25% DEET, which is needed for prolonged outdoor activities or travel to areas where mosquito-spread diseases are endemic.”
Lee concurs: “In instances where the threat of severe disease is quite high from insect bites,keep in mind that DEET-based products have had longer-lasting effects and have been more consistently effective against mosquito bites in many studies against natural remedies. DEET has been used without major reported adverse effects in a large portion of the population, and relatively speaking, the risks of toxicity from DEET are not as common as the risks from malaria-laden mosquitoes.”
Regardless of the fact that DEET is approved by the FDA for topical application, and deemed safe by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not everyone is comfortable with using it. Lately, the CDC has sanctioned the use of picaridin (known to the World Health Organization as icaradin), a nearly odorless chemical that’s proven effective in trials against a wide variety of biting insects. In fact, the WHO considers it to be nearly equal in its effectiveness as DEET. A second ingredient that’s recently gained legitimacy, also courtesy of the CDC, is lemon eucalyptus oil, comprised largely of citronella. Definitely not falling into the odorless category, this pungent oil generally needs to be reapplied more frequently than synthetic options for maximum effectiveness. Both picaridin and lemon eucalyptus oil seem to act by impeding the ability of insects to identify the presence of carbon dioxide, body heat, and lactic acid exuded by their targets.
Another smelly ingredient, known as 2-Undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone), is also proving effective in keeping bugs at bay. Though it’s being produced artificially, it can also be extracted from rue, an evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean region. Preliminary studies conducted at North Carolina State University suggest its potency at warding off mosquitoes rivals that of DEET, upping its potential as an effective ingredient in bug sprays. It can, however, be combustible, and may be a water pollutant. Studies are still underway.
It should be noted that just because a product is “natural,” or contains natural ingredients, doesn’t mean you should be cavalier with its use. “In addition to the risk of skin reactions and mucus membrane irritation, most essential oils are not meant to be consumed,” cautions Lee. “For instance, lemon eucalyptus oil can be poisonous, and its use should be avoided in children under the age of three. Apply essential oil-based repellents away from foods, and be sure to wash hands thoroughly before eating or handling food.”
Remember, points out Shultz, that the skin is the body’s largest organ. That means that even with “safe” and completely natural ingredients, the potential for allergic reactions and sensitivity still exists. “One of the skin’s main functions is to serve as a barrier—to keep the inside world of fluids, chemicals, electrolytes, and blood ‘in’ and to keep the outside world of germs, bacteria, and viruses ‘out,’” he says. “Despite the skin’s usual efficiency and effectiveness in its barrier function, some topical preparations penetrate the skin depending on the age of the skin (an infant’s skin is more easily penetrated), the thickness of the skin (palms and soles are too thick for almost anything to penetrate while the skin in front of the elbow and the eyelid skin is much thinner and therefore more easily penetrated), and the presence of inflammation in the skin. Inflamed, reddened skin is very easily penetrated, so don’t use DEET on sunburned skin. [When choosing a product,] it’s all a very individual decision that gives people a comfort level, depending on their personal beliefs, circumstances of insect exposure, and personal susceptibility to those miserable mosquitoes.”
Natural Bug Repellents
If you’re looking for ways to stay bug-free (without DEET) this summer, here are our picks:
Sun Feather’s entire BugOff collection is safe for the whole family. Featuring essential oils of rosemary, citronella, geranium and lemongrass, the line has a pleasant citrus smell, and does a wonderful job repelling even the hungriest of mosquitoes. (Bug Wipes, 35 count, $15.99; Organic Bug Rub, 2 oz., $10). They also make an eco friendly Bug Off Soy Candle, perfect for those balmy, and previously bite-filled summer evenings. ($12)
Vermont Soap Insect Armor is Certified Organic USDA Approved, safe for children, and relies on natural essential oils, including rosemary to repel insects. ($7)
California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray, featuring citronella, lemongrass, and cedar, smells so nice (and works so well) that one of the developers of California Baby uses it to shoo away house flies! ($13.49)
Aubrey Organics Gone! Safe and Natural Outdoor Spray SPF 10 utilizes the active ingredient, Padimate O, as well as herbs and plants, including nettle leaf, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, and aloe vera in this 2-in-1 outdoor essential. ($6.60)
Badger Anti-Bug Balm, featuring citronella, lemongrass, cedar, rosemary, and geranium oils, combines the best natural repellents into one of Badger’s signature balm tins, making this product easy to stash in any pocket or bag. ($10)
Kiss My Face Swy Flotter insect repellent features lemon eucalyptus, which has been shown in numerous studies to be one of the most effective natural repellents. Plus, how can you resist a name that relies on Pig Latin? ($10.95)
HOMS Bite Blocker utilizes geranium oil in all of its products, known for being an effective insect repellent against both mosquitoes and black flies. Each of the different applications (they make herbal wipes and sprays) lasts for 2-4 hours and has a soothing scent, with a hint of vanilla. If you’re in need of a stronger repellent (for areas with West Nile, or for protection from ticks where Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are of concern), reach for their BioUD formula, which can be applied to your “clothing and gear” instead of to your sensitive skin. The active ingredient is 2-Undecanonone, which is a safer option than DEET, although not as natural as their other formulas. (Bite Blocker wipes, 20 count, $8.50; Family Spray, $5.40; BioUD Clothing & Gear Spray, $8.50)
Burts Bees Herbal Insect Repellent has a woodsy, yet, minty smell, which comes from its primary ingredients, including both rosemary and peppermint oils. Other oils, including lemongrass, cedar, citronella, clove, and geranium, round out this paraben and phthalate-free formula. (4 oz., $8.00)
Already Bitten? Try these:
Sun Feather’s Bug Bite Soother gently rolls over itchy and stingy bites, and soothes the irritation with camphor, tea tree, witch hazel, and peppermint ($6.00)
Soothing Herbals Bug & Bite Balm takes advantage of the naturally soothing properties of calendula in this easy-to-apply formula, providing instant bite relief. ($9)
After Bite Kids is a great option for both bites and stings. The cream formulation is made of baking soda, tea tree oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E, soothing the skin and erasing any lasting sting. ($3.99, available at UpsideOver.com)
Debra Bokur is a freelance journalist and frequent contributor to Mindful Mama. Visit her website at www.nextplanemedia.com.