Bug Off.

Canadian bugs are … well bug 'ers … they bite and chomp causing swelling, itching and may carry diseases such as West Nile.

Why do you care?

• There are 75 species of mosquitos in Canada and 169 in North America - YUK.
• So far this year there have been no reported cases of West Nile; in 2006 the virus infected 151 Canadians.1
• Protection from mosquito's and other no-see-ums can be found from natural or chemical insect repellents. These repellents fall under the jurisdiction of the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency in Canada and the Environmental Protection Agency in the US.
• The most widely known active ingredient in chemical insect repellant is DEET, which may:
  • Irritate eye and skin irritant, in some leading to blisters and rashes
  • Cause neurological symptoms, including lethargy, confusion, disorientation and mood swings.2
  • be absorbed through skin and circulated throughout whole body system; one study showed that about 10% to 15% of each dose can be recovered from the urine.3 Sorry, but we had to say it!
  • React with medications (both prescription and over the counter) and other skin care products to magnify problems.
• Another common chemical permethrin is used in chemical bug sprays; the Environmental Protection Agency cautions that the intended application is only for clothing and gear - not directly onto skin and has classified as likely carcinogenic if ingested and highly toxic to the environment.3
  

The Know How

• DEET-based repellents are the gold standard for times when it is crucial to be protected against insect bites that might transmit disease.4
• If choosing DEET-based products, look for formulations with 10% DEET or less. This will provide up to 3 hours of coverage.
  • DEET should not be applied more than once a day; repeated application may increase the toxic effects.
  • Canada has banned DEET at concentrations higher than 30%.
  • Do not use DEET on the hands, around the eyes and mouth, over cuts, or irritated skin.
  • Do not spray in enclosed areas or near food.
  • Wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors; wash treated clothing.
• Natural repellents or DEET alternatives use active ingredients such as botanical oils; including, citronella, soybean, cedar, verbena, pennyroyal, geranium, lavender, pine, cajuput, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, thyme, allspice, garlic, and peppermint.
  • Generally less effective than DEET-based repellents - reapply often to compensate for their short-lived action.
  • Products with oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol) provides longer lasting protection than other plant-based repellents.5
  • Allergic reactions can occur with natural plant oils, so watch for rashes and respiratory distress.
  • The Green Guide provides a great product comparison.
• Sunscreen and DEET do not mix - "the rate of DEET absorption into the skin skyrockets from 9.6% to 30.2% when DEET is mixed with oxybenzone, a common ingredient in sunscreens.6
• Citronella candles have been used as backyard mosquito repellents for years. One study reported persons near the citronella candles had 42% fewer bites than using ordinary candles, which reduced bites by 23%.7
  

Know and Tell

• Tamey decided several years ago that her family wouldn't use repellents that contained DEET - even at the cottage! Too many uncertainties and hey the natural stuff smells nice. See her product reviews.
• Patti is a magnet for insects … and when they strike it is a mess of hot, swollen pussing beauties (from the bugs' perspective!). So keeping bugs away is important but she's also concerned about the chemicals in bug sprays. She has been using alternatives to DEET for years. Sometimes successful and others times not. Currently trying Citronella Spray Lotion by Druid.
• Patti sent her boys to camp with both a natural repellant for everyday use and a repellent with 7% DEET for the overnight camp out in the bush.
  

Pure Know How Kids

• Not only do you want to protect your kids from bug bites, but you want to protect yourself from the drama after the bite. See Pure Know How KIDS for tips on DEET and children.

1 West Nile Virus Monitor, 2008 Human Surveillance, Public Health Agency of Canada
2 Pest Control-Insect Repellent - Product Report. The Green Guide, March 2002.
3 Permethrin Facts. U.S Environemntal Protection Agency, June 2006
4 DEET Still the Gold Standard to Repel Mosquitoes, Laurie Barclay, MD, N Engl J Med. 2002; 347(1): 13-18
5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile Virus - Questions and Answers
6 Sunscreen Use - Making Sense of Sunscreen and Tanning Products, Health Hints, Texas Cancer Control, Volume 9, Number 3 - May/June 2005.
7 Evaluation of the efficacy of 3% citronella candles and 5% citronella incense for protection against field populations of Aedes mosquitoes. Lindsay RL, Surgeoner GA, Heal JD, Gallivan GJ. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 1996;12:293-294.