Taking a walk in the park on a warm summer day might be one of the most relaxing things you can do. The loud chirping of the birds, and the gentle rustling of leaves either side of the path, make it seem as if you are in a spa. But these noises are soon overtaken by another — the relentless buzzing and tickling sensation of tiny insects crawling all over you.
Mosquitoes and Flies can be annoying and even carry diseases that can cause harm. That’s why we need an insect repellent!
Insect repellents work in different ways. But they all prevent insects from biting your dog, cat, or you. They all contain ingredients that insects don’t like to be around. But they vary in how they're made and what they contain. Some are natural, while others are chemical. In general, insect repellents last longer.
Different Types of Insect Repellents
There are basically two types of insect repellents based on active ingredients. One is natural repellent such as citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus, and geranium oil. The other type is chemical repellent such as DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide).
Toxicity is a major concern when using chemical insect repellents. It's important to read the label on the product you're using. Using too much of an insect repellent can cause serious health problems including seizures, coma and death.
How do natural insect repellents work?
Natural ingredients that repel insects include essential oils, plant extracts, and sometimes even plant secretions. Like synthetic chemicals, these substances can enter an insect's body through its skin or respiratory tract and interfere with normal functions. But instead of killing the bug, they may simply make it uncomfortable enough to leave your yard or garden alone.
Natural insect repellents work by repelling insects with a scent they don't like. The plants used to make these insect repellents are usually plants that the insects find unattractive like eucalyptus, lemongrass, and more.
The effectiveness of natural repellents depends on the type of product you choose and the concentration of the active ingredients within its formulation. For instance, our eco-friendly Family Safe Mosquito Repellent Patches have been created with concentrated all-natural ingredients packed in a convenient sticker form. It ensures that you are protected for up to 12 hours no matter where you are!
