As we gear up for the summer months here in Canada, bug spray is a must-have item for many outdoor enthusiasts, especially those with young kids who are more susceptible to bug bites due to a lack of awareness or ability to swat them away. However, the use of conventional bug sprays often raises concerns due to their potentially toxic ingredients.
While the risk of disease from bug bites is a real concern, it's equally important to consider the impact of the chemicals we expose ourselves to in these sprays.
Non-toxic bug sprays are an effective alternative that offers protection from pesky insects without the harmful effects of traditional bug sprays. By choosing non-toxic bug spray, we can enjoy the outdoors without putting our health and the environment at risk. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons why non-toxic bug spray is a better choice and how it can benefit us.
As adults, we’re more capable of swatting these pesky biters away, however, if you’re in an area where applying bug spray is necessary, make sure you’re reading the ingredients and choosing a bug spray with the correct ingredients so that you can effectively repel bugs and keep you and your family safe.
It's important to be mindful, especially when using bug spray on our kids. The CDC recommends not using bug spray on infants under two months of age, and avoiding concentrations over 30% for children in general. This is because kids are more likely to accidentally get the spray in their eyes, on their fingers, or even in their mouths, which can be a real problem.
Here are some of the less-toxic ingredients to look for in bug spray.
Like DEET, picaridin works by blocking the receptors that insects use to detect human sweat and carbon dioxide, which are two of the main cues that attract mosquitoes and other biting insects. Picaridin is effective against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and flies.
One of the main benefits of picaridin is that it has been shown to be as effective as DEET in repelling insects but without the same level of toxicity. It has been extensively tested and has a good safety profile, with very few reports of adverse effects. Additionally, picaridin is non-greasy, odourless, and does not damage fabrics
IR3535 is an insect repellent that was introduced in Europe in the 1990s and has been used in the United States since 2001. It is an active ingredient that is derived from the amino acid beta-alanine and provides effective protection against a wide range of biting insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, and flies.
The use of IR3535 in bug spray is considered safe when used properly. It has been extensively tested for both efficacy and safety and has been found to be a low-toxicity alternative to some other insect repellents like DEET.
However, as with any insect repellent, there are potential risks associated with the use of IR3535. Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the ingredient, so it is always a good idea to test a small area of skin before applying it to larger areas.
Some essential oils have been found to be effective at repelling insects. For example, oil of lemon eucalyptus is a well-known natural insect repellent that has been used for decades in insect repelling products. Other essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are also believed to be effective at repelling insects, and can be added to bug spray formulations as natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals like DEET.
However, it is important to note that essential oils should be used in appropriate dilutions, as they can also cause skin irritation and other adverse reactions in some people when directly applied to the skin. Additionally, essential oils are not known to be effective in repelling ticks, so if you’re in an area with known high concentrations of ticks, it’s best to stick with other ingredients as your main characters.
We’ve been told over and over again that DEET can be harmful, but according to the EWG (2018), it’s considered generally safe when used properly.
The proper use of DEET involves applying it only to exposed skin or clothing, following the instructions on the label carefully. Most bug sprays that contain DEET are available in concentrations ranging from 5% to 30%, and higher concentrations provide longer-lasting protection. It is important to choose the concentration that is appropriate for the level of mosquito activity and the length of time you will be outside.
Some people have concerns about the safety of DEET, but studies have shown that when used as directed, it is safe for most people. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified DEET as a category III pesticide, which means that it has low toxicity to humans when used properly.
It is important to note that DEET is not without potential risks, and some people may experience skin irritation or other adverse reactions.
Choosing a non-toxic bug spray can be overwhelming with so many options available in the market. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a safe and effective bug spray for yourself:
1. Look for natural ingredients: Choose a bug spray that contains natural ingredients like essential oils, such as oil of lemon eucalyptus, citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint. These ingredients have insect-repelling properties and are generally considered safe.
2. Check the concentration: Check the concentration of active ingredients in the bug spray. A concentration of up to 30% DEET, 20% picaridin or 10% IR3535 are considered safe for most people.
3. Read the label: Make sure to read the label and understand the instructions for use. This includes how often to apply, where to apply, and whether it is safe for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
4. Consider your needs: Consider the insects you are trying to repel and the environment you will be in. For example, if you are in an area with a high risk of tick-borne illnesses, choose a bug spray that is specifically formulated for tick prevention. Read below for a general outline of areas that these insects frequently populate.
5. Choose a reputable brand: Choose a bug spray from a reputable brand with good reviews, as they are more likely to have undergone testing for safety and effectiveness. We will give you some great recommendations further down in this article.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a bug spray that is safe, effective, and meets your specific needs.
Whether you’re hiking, camping, travelling, or just playing in your backyard - where you are, matters.
To determine what the best natural option for bug spray is, you’ll need to determine what bugs you’re trying to repel. We’ve got a little breakdown of where you’re going to find these pesky buggers within Canada and the USA.
Mosquitoes are found all over North America, but some areas are more prone to them than others. The Great Lakes region and the Eastern Seaboard of the USA, as well as parts of Canada like Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec, are known for having high mosquito populations. Mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and dengue fever.
Black flies are most common in Canada and the northern United States, especially in areas near bodies of water. In northern Ontario, we experience them so heavily in the spring and early summer that it’s actually tough to be outside without full clothing! Black flies can transmit diseases like tularemia.
Deer flies are another biting insect that can be found throughout North America. They're most common in wooded areas and near bodies of water, and their bites can be painful. Deer flies can transmit diseases like tularemia and anthrax.
Ticks are a particular concern because they can transmit a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the Powassan virus. They're found all over North America, but certain areas have higher populations of ticks. In the USA, the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast are known for having high tick populations, while in Canada, tick populations are highest in Ontario and Manitoba. Ticks are a big
There are many other biting insects that can be found in North America, including horseflies, chiggers, and sandflies. These insects can transmit diseases like leishmaniasis and Lyme disease, and they're most commonly found in wooded or grassy areas.
Here are some helpful tips for safely using bug spray to protect yourself from those pesky mosquitoes and other biting insects:
There are many non-toxic bug sprays available on the market that are effective at repelling mosquitoes. Here are two options we have available here in Canada.
Remember to always read the label and follow the instructions carefully when using any bug spray, including non-toxic options. And as with any product, if you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and seek medical attention if necessary.
Yes, spraying insect repellent on your clothing can be effective in repelling insects. In fact, some insect repellents are specifically formulated for use on clothing and gear, rather than on skin.
When using insect repellent on clothing, it's important to follow the instructions on the label. Typically, you'll want to spray the repellent evenly over your clothing and gear, and allow it to dry completely before wearing. Avoid spraying directly on your skin or near your eyes and mouth.
Keep in mind that the effectiveness of the repellent may diminish over time or with wear and tear, so be sure to reapply as needed. It's also a good idea to wash treated clothing separately from other items to avoid cross-contamination.
Overall, using insect repellent on clothing can be a useful addition to your insect-bite prevention strategy.
There are several alternatives to bug spray that you can try to repel insects naturally, these include:
Remember, natural alternatives to bug spray may not be as effective as the sprays themselves, so it's important to take extra precautions when trying them out.
In conclusion, protecting ourselves from biting insects is important for our health and well-being, but it is equally important to choose the right type of bug spray. DEET and Picaridin are two effective active ingredients in bug sprays, but it is essential to use them according to the manufacturer's instructions and in moderation.
Other non-toxic alternatives, such as essential oils and natural bug sprays, can be effective in repelling insects without the harmful effects of chemicals. It is crucial to select the right product based on the area, climate, and the type of insects that are common in that area.
By following the safe-use guidelines and considering non-toxic alternatives, we can protect ourselves from insect bites without compromising our health.
