Bug Spray
Bug spray/repellent is a complex topic. Like sunscreen, it is more a matter of balancing various risks, and less about a clear cut answer. The Environment Working Group has released a new report on bug repellent. While not perfect, the report does have a lot of useful information in it.
Their surprising conclusion is that sometimes chemical based bug sprays are justified and, in fact, necessary where there is a high risk associated with tick and mosquito borne diseases.
As a starting point, consider the risk of disease in the area in which you are using the repellent. A backyard barbecue in a neighborhood with very low likelihood of insect borne disease would lead to very different choices than hiking in a wooded area with high likelihood of west Nile, Lyme, or other diseases.
In a high risk area, your first defense is to cover your skin. Long sleeved shirts and pants; light colored clothing as it will not attract bugs; pants tucked into socks; and other coverings effective strategies for protecting yourself.
In any situation, aerosol sprays, wristbands and foggers should be avoided because they are ineffective and they put you at risk of breathing toxic fumes. Pumps, towelettes and other solutions that don't risk breathing fumes are the best application method. It is also a good idea to avoid sunscreens with bug protection. Because the sunscreen needs to be re-applied frequently, it will likely lead to an over-application of bug spray. Special care should be taken with children, especially small children, and doctors’ guidelines should be followed. A good common sense approach is to apply bug spray to children by spraying it first on your hands and then rubbing it on the child’s arms and legs – this keeps it from getting on your children’s hands (which will likely wind up in their mouths). Then, wash YOUR hands!
EWG specifically notes that while the US allows DEET concentrations of up to 100%, Canada only allows concentrations of up to 30%. The EWG recommends following Canada’s guidelines on this.
While DEET and other chemical agents provide good results in preventing mosquito bites, they don’t totally remove the risk of ticks. Therefore, diligence in checking for ticks after outdoor activity is crucial.
EWG seems to imply that Picaridin may be the best choice. I like that it’s a relatively low concentration. At 20%, it provides all day protection (apply once) against ticks and mosquitoes. They also analyze IR3535 and DEET as reasonable choices. As a botanical, they recommend Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus with enhanced PMD (but not for children under three).
It is worth noting that they do indicate catnip oil as an effective mosquito repellent. This is the main ingredient in the Ava Anderson Non Toxic Bug Spray. Bear in mind that botanicals are not regulated, so there is less information available on their effectiveness.
On balance, I trust EWG and I believe in avoiding toxins to the extent that it does not do you any harm. In this instance, it may be that the toxin risk is less than the risk of harm from a mosquito or tick. I like the practical advice described above that enables you to minimize your use of bug sprays and encourage using non-toxic choices where the risk of insect borne disease is minimal. The study is well worth reading as is the related fact sheet.
The EPA has some useful tips on applying DEET, that seem to be relevant for any bug repellent:
Bug spray/repellent is a complex topic. Like sunscreen, it is more a matter of balancing various risks, and less about a clear cut answer. The Environment Working Group has released a new report on bug repellent. While not perfect, the report does have a lot of useful information in it.
Their surprising conclusion is that sometimes chemical based bug sprays are justified and, in fact, necessary where there is a high risk associated with tick and mosquito borne diseases.
As a starting point, consider the risk of disease in the area in which you are using the repellent. A backyard barbecue in a neighborhood with very low likelihood of insect borne disease would lead to very different choices than hiking in a wooded area with high likelihood of west Nile, Lyme, or other diseases.
In a high risk area, your first defense is to cover your skin. Long sleeved shirts and pants; light colored clothing as it will not attract bugs; pants tucked into socks; and other coverings effective strategies for protecting yourself.
In any situation, aerosol sprays, wristbands and foggers should be avoided because they are ineffective and they put you at risk of breathing toxic fumes. Pumps, towelettes and other solutions that don't risk breathing fumes are the best application method. It is also a good idea to avoid sunscreens with bug protection. Because the sunscreen needs to be re-applied frequently, it will likely lead to an over-application of bug spray. Special care should be taken with children, especially small children, and doctors’ guidelines should be followed. A good common sense approach is to apply bug spray to children by spraying it first on your hands and then rubbing it on the child’s arms and legs – this keeps it from getting on your children’s hands (which will likely wind up in their mouths). Then, wash YOUR hands!
EWG specifically notes that while the US allows DEET concentrations of up to 100%, Canada only allows concentrations of up to 30%. The EWG recommends following Canada’s guidelines on this.
While DEET and other chemical agents provide good results in preventing mosquito bites, they don’t totally remove the risk of ticks. Therefore, diligence in checking for ticks after outdoor activity is crucial.
EWG seems to imply that Picaridin may be the best choice. I like that it’s a relatively low concentration. At 20%, it provides all day protection (apply once) against ticks and mosquitoes. They also analyze IR3535 and DEET as reasonable choices. As a botanical, they recommend Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus with enhanced PMD (but not for children under three).
It is worth noting that they do indicate catnip oil as an effective mosquito repellent. This is the main ingredient in the Ava Anderson Non Toxic Bug Spray. Bear in mind that botanicals are not regulated, so there is less information available on their effectiveness.
On balance, I trust EWG and I believe in avoiding toxins to the extent that it does not do you any harm. In this instance, it may be that the toxin risk is less than the risk of harm from a mosquito or tick. I like the practical advice described above that enables you to minimize your use of bug sprays and encourage using non-toxic choices where the risk of insect borne disease is minimal. The study is well worth reading as is the related fact sheet.
The EPA has some useful tips on applying DEET, that seem to be relevant for any bug repellent:
- Read and follow all directions and precautions on this product label.
- Do not apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
- Do not apply to hands or near eyes and mouth of young children.
- Do not allow young children to apply this product.
- Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing.
- Do not use under clothing.
- Avoid over-application of this product.
- After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
- Wash treated clothing before wearing it again.
- Use of this product may cause skin reactions in rare cases.
- Do not spray in enclosed areas.
- To apply to face, spray on hands first and then rub on face. Do not spray directly onto face.