The Buzz On Preventing Insect Bites: How To Repel Ticks And Mosquitoes

Many people don’t know how to protect themselves from insect bites, despite the toll of Lyme, dengue, West Nile, and other infections. A 2016 survey found that almost a quarter of adults in the US could not identify even a single active ingredient in insect repellents. Even worse, 82% believed that some products were protective despite the evidence. Citronella was the most common chemical mistakenly thought to be effective. More people know they need to apply sunscreen compared to insect repellents.

It’s easy to take precautions and significantly reduce your risk of infection. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Learn about the insect’s behavior and habitat

Mosquitoes are attracted to us by chemicals produced as we sweat—lactic acid and 1-octen-3-ol—and carbon dioxide. More recent studies show that Aedes aegypti is also drawn to decanal and undecanal. These are chemicals in our sebum, an oily material secreted by our skin’s sebaceous glands. Another study found carboxylic acid in our skin to be an important attractant. These are important findings because they may lead to better insect repellents.


Continue reading the full article written by Judy Stone here.

IMESASISHWA MWISHO

February 7, 2025

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Forbes

Maelezo ya vyombo vya habari kutoka Forbes

Forbes, ukurasa wa kwanza wa habari za juu za biashara na uchambuzi, ni kati ya rasilimali zinazoaminika zaidi kwa watendaji wakuu wa biashara, kuwapa taarifa ya wakati halisi, ufafanuzi usio na faida, zana zinazofaa na jamii inayofaa wanayohitaji kufanikiwa.

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Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

This stuff flat-out works and this bottle from Sawyer is easy to apply, lasts for six weeks or six washes, and is less than $20.

Mabwana wa Fly
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Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Smart backpackers now combine a lightweight filter like the Sawyer Squeeze with chemical tablets as backup – a system that processes water from alpine streams and desert potholes alike.

Brave Words
Editorial Team

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

This insect repellant's permethrin spray provides long-lasting insect and tick protection for clothing and gear, effective for up to 6 weeks.

Adam Oram
Senior Editor