Comments on: Natural and Safe Bug & Insect Repellents

By: Janelle

Janelle — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:30:37 +0000

Repel and Bite Blocker are the two strongest, natural repellents (according to tests conducted by the US FDA) and Repel is even recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control. They ward off mosquitos and ticks as well as DEET without toxic chemicals. As with anything, you should do a little skin test on kids to make sure they don’t have a reaction, but you should be fine using it while you’re pregnant.

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:37:04 +0000

What is your opinion on Repel Plant Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent? After speaking to someone from customer service, I was told the age limit warnings have to do with skin sensitivity and possible irritation. I was also told that it can be used by someone that’s pregnant. Is this true?

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Tue, 06 May 2008 02:01:30 +0000

I have used aan Avon Skin So Soft bug repellent that is DEET free called Expedition that I really like. You can buy it online. Bonnies last blog post..Baby's gone!

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:48:42 +0000

Pfefferminztea it may also be that after 6-7 years the ants have adapted to the peppermint and are no longer bothered by it. It could also be the type of peppermint or the type of ant. I would look online to see if you can identify the ant type and then read up on natural remedies

Sommer, thanks for the offer but I wouldn’t have a use for them. We don’t have bug issues.

By: Sommer

Sommer — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:54:17 +0000

You might have the wrong type of peppermint but also the concentration and strengh could be making a difference. Sommers last blog post..Tips to Avoid BPA

By: Pfefferminztea

Pfefferminztea — Sat, 03 May 2008 10:05:57 +0000

First, I´d like to tell you how much I love this blog… though I´m far from being a parent myself (uh, hello, I´m only 17). But a lot of this stuff is useful still, so thanks a lot!

However, about this post I have some doubts. My mother and I have been “cultivating” (that is, letting it grow wild in every direction… whatever) peppermint for six or seven years now, and the most ants we always have… right beside the peppermint. So are you sure this really works? Maybe we just have the wrong sort of peppermint, or whatever.

By: Sommer

Sommer — Sat, 03 May 2008 03:17:25 +0000

My family has had a terrible time with bugs. I live in Michigan surrounded by bugs, water and trees! My home was invaded (no joke, in my bed) for three years by springtails. I thought we were going to move out this summer. My kids swell up like crazy when bit by a bug. We spent way to much on bad, bad pesticides before going and learning about being “green” and because we knew nothing else. I became very, very ill! After a ton of research and trying all sorts of products saying they were natural and they work I found a few things I have to share with you. From my personal experience these work Tiffany! I’ll send you some if you want. Lice Shampoo too! No joking and I say this because I became sick and now after using these products…no springtails! Phew!
http://www.kidsafepestcontrol.blogspot.com/

We have alternatives. Spray pesticides and the bugs become immune and we hurt ourselves and the environment!

Sommers last blog post..Tips to Avoid BPA

By: RickRussellTX

RickRussellTX — Sat, 03 May 2008 01:56:39 +0000

I’m not advocating for DEET, but I’m not sure “natural” alternatives less injurious to health. Cedar exposure is well-known to cause skin inflammation and liver disease in laboratory animals. These plants and trees developed natural poisons to repel insects, but that does not mean they are non-poisonous to humans.

Rick R.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:57:12 +0000

Alexa,

Just take them somewhere else where they are not bothering you. I rarely kill pests…just transplant them.

By: Alexa Cooper

Alexa Cooper — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:31:55 +0000

I am still wondering about slugs. Great that you can catch them, but I don't think I could kill them. What do you do with them after you found them under the flower pot? Alexa Coopers last blog post..Sugar is Bad for You! Links

By: Janelle

Janelle — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:14:36 +0000

I have been on the anti-DEET wagon for quite some time and only using natural repellents. Five months ago, my daughter was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. We caught it early enough to prevent long term damage, but she underwent emergency surgery, a hospital stay, and many weeks of taking antibiotics. Needless to say, it was awful.

The epidemiologist that finally figured out it was Lyme Disease (we went through a horrible period where no one could tell us what was wrong), told us that the risks of Lyme Disease far outweigh the risks of DEET (especially in MN).

Now I’m in a parenting quandary. Which risk is really worse?? I don’t want my children to suffer from any debilitating illness.

Fortunately, my work in the children’s environmental health field requires me to research topics just like this everyday. In my research on DEET alternatives I found a study conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control that found that a natural repellent called Repel Plant Based Lemon Eucalyptus offered the best protection out of all of the DEET-free products they evaluated. It was comparable to repellents containing 7% DEET and repelled mosquitos for about 5-6 hours and ticks for 8.

After my experience, if we camp or hike during peak tick season, I might opt for a repellent with DEET. Maybe just applied to clothes. I still haven’t totally decided. But, for everyday needs, I am going with Repel. I want the natural choice that really works, because mosquitos and ticks aren’t just a nuisance, they are a health risk.

Learn more ways to live green and protect your family from everyday toxic exposures at http://www.healthychild.org