Insect RepellentsSad as it is for a nature lover to admit, insect repellents might be an important part of hiking techniques. And why do we, sturdy and resolute hikers, want to repel insects? Seriously, aren't we outdoors to soak up the full Nature experience? The answer depends upon the person you're asking. Some hikers are deathly afraid of bees and other stinging insects. Allergies, pain, or simply not understanding what the insect is doing as it buzzes around can lead to phobias. If you're hiking with a person who has insect phobias, it can lead to an unpleasant trail experience when that person transforms into a wailing, flailing arms & hiking poles freak out right in front of your eyes. It's probably a good idea to ask your hiking partners about insect issues, if you haven't already. That way you won't be caught off guard! Another reason for repellents is to repel exposure to disease. There are certain insects (mosquitoes) and other small biting trouble makers (ticks) which act as vectors, transferring diseases in their saliva once they bite a human. Examples of these diseases in the United States include Lyme (Borreliosis) disease, West Nile fever, and encephalitis. Another reason to repel insects: insect bites hurt or itch. If you scratch them with your dirty nails (unavoidable on the trail), you can set yourself up for a secondary bacterial skin infection. So what should you rely on to repel insects? You have some choices, and you need to be clear about the pros and cons of each choice. All insect repellents are NOT alike. First choice: widely available, inexpensive chemicals. DEET is the classic example of a manufactured insect repellent. It was developed by the U.S. military, and is now widely available in various strengths. It can be applied to skin, or to clothing, or both. Why does it work? Insects can't stand the way it tastes! Which is the first clue that it might be toxic. And in fact, it inhibits a key enzyme in mammalian central nervous systems. So be cautious with your applications of this chemical, and avoid using it on very young kids whose nervous systems are still developing. Another chemical name you may have seen: permethrin. It's used to kill ticks and repel insects. This is a heavy duty chemical, toxic to cats and fish, but not dogs. Use it carefully on your clothing, and be aware that it is considered a carcinogen. You might be interested in natural insect repellents. You could give Neem a try! I carry a small bottle of Neem with me, to use not only to avoid bites but to take away the swelling and itchiness after wards (if I forget to apply it before setting off on a hike). So what is Neem? It's a vegetable oil made from an evergreen tree which grows in India. It's not meant to be ingested, but applied to the skin. It has a unique odor, which I find hard to describe. It doesn't work 100% of the time, but it's effective enough that I can avoid chemical exposures in some situations. Recently I heard a radio show discussing smelly socks as a good mosquito repellent. Check it out! Who knew that working up a sweat was offensive to the hungry female skeeters? And the "Comments" section of this link mention other things to try, so be sure to scroll down through and see what's of interest to you in your quest to repel insects. |