Insect repellent

Insect repellent or bug spray is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourages insects from landing or climbing on that surface. Insect repellents help prevent and control the outbreak of insect-borne (and other arthropod-bourne) diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, dengue fever, bubonic plague, West Nile fever, and Zika virus.

Types of Insect Repellents

There are several types of insect repellents available, including synthetic chemicals like DEET and picaridin, and natural or plant-derived chemicals like Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and citronella.

Synthetic Chemical Repellents

DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is one of the most common active ingredients in insect repellents. It has been proven to be extremely effective in protecting against a wide range of biting insects.

Picaridin, also known as icaridin, is another synthetic repellent that is as effective as DEET but is less irritating to the skin.

Natural or Plant-Derived Repellents

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) and citronella are common plant-based insect repellents. OLE is derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus citriodora tree and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for protection against mosquitoes. Citronella oil is obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon (lemongrass) and is commonly used in candles, torches, and lanterns to repel mosquitoes in outdoor settings.

Effectiveness and Safety

The effectiveness of an insect repellent depends on the active ingredient and its concentration. DEET and picaridin are considered the most effective insect repellents available.

Insect repellents are generally safe for use on human skin, but they can cause skin irritation in some people, especially those with sensitive skin. It is recommended to test the product on a small area of skin first.

See Also

• Insecticide
• Pesticide
• Mosquito control
• Disease vector