It’s summertime, and that means mosquitoes and other pests are out in full force. These pests can be more than just a nuisance; they can also transmit various diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus. So it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from these pests. One way to do that is by using bug repellent spray. But how effective are these sprays?
How Do Bug Repellent Body Sprays Work?
Bug repellent body sprays work by masking the scents that bugs are attracted to. Humans give off scents that are attractive to bugs, particularly mosquitoes. The chemicals in bug repellent body spray will override the human scent and make it harder for bugs to find you.
As the name suggests, bug repellent body sprays are “repellents”, not “insecticides’. Therefore, they will not kill the bugs that land on you but repel them by disguising the carbon dioxide that most bugs are attracted to.
What Do Bug Repellents Body Sprays Contain?
Most bug repellent body sprays contain DEET, also known as N-diethyl-meta-toluamide. This is the most common and effective ingredient in bug repellents. Bug repellents that contain DEET can last up to several hours before needing to be reapplied.
Other chemicals found in bug repellent body sprays include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535. These chemicals are also effective at repelling bugs but may not last as long as DEET.
Furthermore, you should know that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tests and regulates these chemical substances and determines if they are safe.
How Effective Are Bug Repellent Body Sprays?
All bug repellents work differently and have different levels of effectiveness. Generally, bug repellent body sprays are effective at keeping bugs away. The best way to determine the effectiveness of a bug repellent body spray is to look at the label. The EPA requires all bug repellents to have their level of effectiveness on the label. The two main ratings are “hours of protection” and “percent of repellency”.
The “hours of protection” rating will tell you how long the bug repellent will last before needing to be reapplied. The “percent of repellency” will tell you how well the bug repellent keeps bugs away. Bug repellents with a higher percentage are more effective.
Are Bug Repellent Body Sprays Safe?
Yes, bug repellent body sprays are safe when used as directed. The EPA has strict regulations on the ingredients used in bug repellents. In addition, all bug repellents must go through extensive safety testing before they can be sold. When used as directed, bug repellent body sprays are safe for adults and children.
What to do When Bug Repellent Body Sprays Don’t Cut It.
Bug repellent body sprays are a great way to keep bugs away, but they sometimes don’t cut it. If you get bitten by bugs or see them around your home or business, even after using bug repellent, you need to get the best pest control services.
When bug repellent Body sprays aren’t enough, get help from Tactical Pest Services for any pest control services you require. Our highly trained professionals are here to get rid of pest problems and help you live a bug-free life.
