Non-Toxic Bug Repellents
by Jane Sheppard
If you find that bugs or insects are feeding
on your children, be careful that the toxic
“solution” does not put your children at greater
health risk than the problem. Many of the
bug or insect repellent sprays, lotions or
liquids that are used on children to repel
ticks, mosquitos or other insects contain
Permethrin and/or N,Ndiethyl-m-toluamide,
commonly called DEET.
DEET is a toxic compound, partially absorbed
into the bloodstream, and associated with
dermal and neurological reactions. Several
cases of toxic encephalopathy (brain damage)
associated with the use of DEET in children
have been reported in the medical literature.
Generalized seizures have also been temporally
associated with the use of DEET.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
made a Re-registration Eligibility Decision
(RED) for DEET in late 1998, but with this
decision, the EPA will not re-register DEET
products marketed specifically at children,
claiming them to be misleading. Due to their
alcohol base, these low percentage DEET formulas
may actually increase absorption into the
bloodstream, especially when reapplied frequently
to increase effectiveness. The EPA expressed
concern about the fact that DEET is widely
used, is one of the few registered pesticides
applied directly to human skin and is potentially
related to seizure incidents. As a result,
the RED calls for stronger label warnings
and restrictions that are protective of children
and others who are sensitive to chemical substances.
Permethrin is a synthetic contact insecticide,
causing nervous system toxicity that leads
to the death of the insect. It is said to
have low toxicity in mammals, and is poorly
absorbed through the skin. However, it’s wise
to stay away from any synthetic pesticide,
especially when there are safe alternatives
to do the job.
Alternative Repellents
Plants whose essential oils have been reported
to have repellent activity include citronella,
cedar, verbena, geranium, lavender, pine,
cajeput, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, thyme,
allspice, garlic, and peppermint. Calendula
ointment is also an excellent insect repellent.
Unfortunately, plant-derived repellents have
been relatively poorly studied. When tested,
most of these essential oils tended to give
short-lasting protection, usually less than
2 hours. But reapplying the essential oils
is a small price to pay for keeping a child
protected from insects while free from potentially
harmful insecticides.
Neem oil is a highly effective, non-toxic,
child-safe bug repellent that can also be
used on open sores and wounds. Neem heals
wounds, cuts, sores, poison oak or ivy, and
has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral
properties. The National Research Council
found that Neem is known to affect more than
200 species of insects. One compound (salannin)
found in neem leaves, seeds and seed oil is
a safer but more effective insect repellent
than DEET. Neem provides protection from not
only mosquitoes but also from biting flies,
sand fleas and ticks.
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Use
the information provided on this site as an
educational resource for determining your
options and making your own informed choices.
It is not intended as medical advice or to
diagnose, prescribe, or treat any specific
illness.