Getting rid of mosquitoes may be putting your own health at risk
Mosquitoes and other flying insects are a serious issue when the weather begins to heat up, but spraying on that DEET-containing insect repellent maybe putting you and your children at a greater risk.
Insect repellents that contain DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-Toluamide), a common ingredient in many insect repellents can and will cause irritation to the eyes and even produce, itchy blisters and rashes on some people when used for long periods of time. And when used on children it can cause lung and breathing irritation as well. Children’s bodies are unable to process and help protect like adult’s bodies are able to filter out toxins. And those with a cold are ten times more susceptible to the harmful effects of DEET.
DEET can even affect the functioning parts of the brain and lead to greater issues later. Like the effect it has on insects, it will effect us with long term use but on a long term period scale rather than short term when it respells insects. So what’s the alternative to DEET, which, for years as been used to quickly help us get a hold of the flying insect issues during the warmer months. The alternative is to use natural sources.
Natural sources are all around us and can be found anywhere you turn no days. Natural sources include essential oils and these are known to be the best repellents that won’t effect us long term. Essential oils to use during this time of year over DEET are lemon, eucalyptus, citronella, lemon grass, rose geranium, and even neem oils. Sweet wormwood and catnip’s volatile compounds have been found to be effective against mosquitoes as well.
*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: A laptop computer uses much less energy than a desk top. When it comes to both of them though, the best energy saving option is to shut them both down at night when you aren’t using either one.
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