Parenting Pointers: You Are Probably Making A Mistake Applying Bug Repellent

Applying insect repellant seems simple. However, many people make mistakes when applying insect repellant – mistakes that can minimize the level of protection.

 

Eugene Zablotsky, a member of the New York Entomology Society and Mosquito Control Association has a few simple steps to make sure you apply it correctly:

1.     Read the Product label – Not all sprays are for all insects. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that to prevent mosquito bites you should use repellents that contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. If you’re trying to repel both mosquitoes or ticks, use products that contain at least 20-percent DEET. Check with CDC for all suggested/approved sprays.

 

2.     If using sunscreen, put it on first – The CDC advises that you apply your sunscreen before using insect repellent, whether it’s spray or crème. The CDC also cautions against using combination bug repellent/sunscreen products because sunscreen must usually be applied more often than insect repellent.

 

3.     Apply insect repellent thoroughly – Many people make the mistake of not using enough insect repellent. Keep the chemicals away from your eyes and nose, but make sure you cover every inch of exposed skin; mosquitoes and other insects will find any area you leave unprotected.

 

4.     Use Insect Repellent any time mosquitoes and other bugs are likely to be present; not just during camping trips and barbecues —Use bug repellent any time you’re walking in tall grass, on leaves, and during dusk and dawn. These are the times when insects such as mosquitoes and ticks are most likely to be around.

By properly applying insect repellent, you can protect yourself against bug bites.  If you are bit by a mosquito there are technologies now that can help you get rid of the itch and discomfort during your vacation and beyond. The Bite Helper (pictured below) www.bitehelper.com uses a patented technology that uses pulsating heat at the site of the bite to rid of the

 

Eugene Zabolotsky

Zabolotsky is a member of American Mosquito Control Association and New York Entomology Society and the founder and Managing Director of MediPharm, a health care consulting firm.

Since 2003, MediPharm has provided commercial and business development strategy expertise to multinational biopharmaceutical companies, medical device companies and health care institutions.  His focus has been on advising major corporations and institutions on all matters relating to biopharmaceuticals and medical devices regulatory issues, marketing business development and management.  MediPharm has partnered with some of the most highly regarded organizations and medical institutions in the world.