Does that buzzing sound inside and outside your homes makes you irritated as well? Are you afraid of those insects spreading diseases? Do these small uncanny insects stop your way during gardening and walking? Are you done with dabbing and scratching your skin as an insect’s after-effect?
Insecticides aren’t enough to kill those little creepy structures we call insects, as insects breed faster. On the other hand, insecticides are harmful to humans as well. However, insecticides affect for some time and try to stop further growth of the insects. Insect repellents, alternatively, have been one of the finest ways for keeping all such insects away and saving ourselves from insect-borne diseases.
Insect-borne diseases can be hazardous and deadly. Malaria, dengue, zika virus, encephalitis, and rocky mountain spotted fever are some of the major causes of several millions of deaths every year. Insect repellents can prevent bites, skin eruptions, and rashes caused due to insect bite. The carbon dioxide in human’s breath and the sweat attracts insects. The repellents don’t kill the mosquitos; however, it makes the person unattractive for biting. The increase in diseases and rising awareness regarding these diseases have positively affected the production of insect repellents. According to a report published by Allied Market Research, the global insect repellent market will garner $9.61 billion by 2026.
When it is about clinically recommended repellents, several trusted repellents have proven to be effective. Where chemical repellents are largely used, various botanical repellents as well have the best-proven effects. Following are some of the most active repellents:
- DEET: DEET is the most basic, effective, and safest insect repellent. It can be used in liquid sprays, lotions, and sticks. DEET weakens the ability to smell in insects, making it difficult for them to sense their prey.
- Picaridin: Picaridin is the best alternative for DEET. Though it is prepared in the laboratory, it is demonstrated through a chemical found in black pepper plants. Picaridin works almost the same as DEET.
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: The oil is the finest botanical insect repellent. The chemical present in the eucalyptus oil is known to repel insects and is widely used by repellent brands. However, it requires to apply a couple of times, as compared to DEET and Picaridin.
- IR3535: It is a plant-based insect repellent and works fine against mosquitos. It is largely used in Europe as an insect repellent. However, it is less effective than DEET and Picaridin.
Are repellents safe for baby’s sensitive skin?
Baby’s skin is more sensitive than adults, and therefore, applying these repellents may cause certain issues to them, resulting in allergies and infection. Using DEET on babies younger than two months old is risky enough. Moreover, it is important to know appropriate protective measures for babies to save them from bug bites. However, certain repellent manufacturing companies stepped ahead with suitable repellents for babies.
A new baby repellent can save babies from bug bites and their diseases without any harm to their skin. Mother Sparsh, an Indian baby care manufacturer launched an insect repellent especially made for baby’s sensitive skin. Keeping in mind all the concerns related to chemicals, the repellent is made of completely natural ingredients including lemongrass oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, and camphor oil. The product is completely safe and effective. On one hand, the eucalyptus oil helps to guard against mosquitos, fleas, and others; on the other hand, camphor, lemongrass, and citronella comfort their sensitive skin, making the insect repellent baby-friendly. The Founder and Head of the company Rishu Gandhi specified that the company focuses on 100% natural ingredients to protect kids and toddlers without any side-effects. Further, she added that the company would expand its product portfolio with the help of the rich ayurvedic heritage of India.
Repel insects with incense sticks:
Other than baby repellents, there are several new launches for insect repellents in the market. New insect repellent incense sticks as a safe solution are on their way to repel insects. Godrej, one of the market leaders, established its presence even in the mosquito repellents market. The newly launched product by the company is made of neem and turmeric. The category head of the company Somasree Bose Awasthi stated that their product is 100% natural and a completely safe solution at an affordable cost.
Insect repellents are major requirements similarly as other body care products. However, selecting the best brands and good products for our body is always difficult, especially when it is about repellents. However, the repellent manufacturers have combined both natural and chemical products to get a suitable solution for repelling insects. Moreover, repellents give us comfort by distracting insects. Be safe, use repellents, and say no to the bugs!