Buzz off, naturally
Apparently mosquitos don’t mind if you smell like garlic, according to a study at the University of Connecticut. Despite the belief that ingesting garlic helps keep the biting summer pests away, the researchers and garlic-eating, mosquito-bitten subjects, say otherwise.
Tuesday’s NYT article The Claim: Eating Garlic Helps Repel Mosquitos reported that the best way to repel mosquitos is DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide):
Typically, mosquitoes locate their victims by seeking out body heat, lactic acid and carbon dioxide. People who are attacked less, studies show, appear to have genes that make them better able to disguise themselves. So far, the substance known to block mosquitoes’ powers of detection the best is DEET, which acts by blinding their senses.
While deemed safe by the EPA, DEET has been linked to severe adverse reactions. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reports that DEET exposure can be toxic:
Case reports of toxicity from DEET exposure have been documented in the medical literature, and range in severity from mild skin irritation to death.
While the excuse to eat more garlic seems to be fading, it’s not time to reach for the synthetic poisons. Dr. Weil’s all natural answer to Bugged by bugs?
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) now lists oil of lemon eucalyptus, a plant-based product registered with the U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Registration indicates that the active ingredients in the repellent have been reviewed and approved for efficacy and human safety when used as recommended on the label. When oil of lemon eucalyptus was tested against mosquitoes found in the United States, it provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET.
Personally, I break it down like this: Amazon jungle, a little DEET exposure is the least of your worries. Backyard New England, all natural works.
My favorite skeeter patrols: