Almost everyone has had the unpleasant experience of being bitten by a mosquito. Mosquito bites can cause severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva - this is what causes the red bump and itching. But a more serious consequence of some mosquito bites may be transmission of certain serious diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and several forms of encephalitis. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases which afflict humans, but they also can transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heart worms and eastern equine encephalitis.
Using Insect Repellents Safely
EPA recommends the following precautions when using insect repellents:
Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed
on the product label). Do not use under clothing.
Never use repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
Do not apply to eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around ears.
When using sprays do not spray directly onto face; spray on hands first
and then apply to face.
Do not allow children to handle the products, and do not apply to
children's hands. When using on children, apply to your own hands and
then put it on the child.
Do not spray in enclosed areas. Avoid breathing a repellent spray,
and do not use it near food.
Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing.
Heavy application and saturation is generally unnecessary for effectiveness;
if biting insects do not respond to a thin film of repellent, then apply
a bit more.
After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or
bathe. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly
in a day or on consecutive days. Also, wash treated clothing before
wearing it again. If you suspect that you or your child are reacting
to an insect repellent, discontinue use, wash treated skin, and then
call your local poison control center. If/when you go to a doctor, take
the repellent with you.
Get specific medical information about the active ingredients in
repellents and other pesticides by calling the National Pesticide Information
Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378. NPIC operates from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. (Pacific Time),9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), 7 days a
week. The NPIC Web site is: http://npic.orst.edu/
Repellents
Avoid using repeated applications of repellents containing DEET on children. It is safe when used according to directions, but isn't meant for long-term (every day) use and should be kept away from eyes and mouth.
See your doctor if a rash develops where you remove a tick or if you find one a day after you believe you were exposed.
Deet
Insect repellents that contain "DEET" are
somewhat effective when applied to the arms, legs,
and around the neck. Do not use any repellent over
wide areas of the body as they can be
absorbed causing toxicity. Also, it is inadvisable to
use a product that contains more than 50%
DEET, and 25% concentrations are preferred. Use
repellents cautiously on small children, as they
are more susceptible to their toxic effects. Be aware
that this repellent evaporates quickly and
must be reapplied frequently.
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Almost everyone has had the unpleasant experience of being bitten by a mosquito. Mosquito bites can cause severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva - this is what causes the red bump and itching. But a more serious consequence of some mosquito bites may be transmission of certain serious diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and several forms of encephalitis. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases which afflict humans, but they also can transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heart worms and eastern equine encephalitis.
Avoid using repeated applications of repellents containing DEET on children. It is safe when used according to directions, but isn't meant for long-term (every day) use and should be kept away from eyes and mouth.
See your doctor if a rash develops where you remove a tick or if you find one a day after you believe you were exposed.