When the peak months of dengue arrive, we are suddenly reminded by commercials from the government (the last one from the new Health Secretary Manolet Dayrit) on how to prevent mosquitoes from breeding near our homes. Civic organizations go on a defogging project of schools and barangays.
Experts say that you should wear light-colored clothing because mosquitoes are attracted by dark colors. When outdoors, a breezy location is ideal since mosquitoes find it difficult to fly even with very light wind. Heavily scented shampoos and toiletries also attract these little blood suckers.
The easiest way to drive them away is, of course, to spray or apply a repellent. The brand that we all grew up with, "Off," advises: "Apply a light, even coating of repellent to all exposed skin. Areas of skin left untreated – even areas as small as a dime– are susceptible to bites. For extra protection, apply the repellent to your clothing, too. Remember that heat, humidity, and increased activity may require more frequent applications."
In their official website, the company provides guidelines to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin between dusk and dawn when malaria mosquitoes commonly bite. Choose one containing either N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (deet) or dimethyl phthalate. Repeated application may be required every three to four hours, especially in hot and humid climates. The manufacturers’ recommendations for use should be strictly adhered to and dosage must not be exceeded, particularly for small children.
• Stay, if possible, in a well-constructed and well-maintained building with air-conditioning or with screens over doors and windows; if no screens are available, windows and doors should be closed at sunset.
• If accommodation allows entry of mosquitoes, use mosquito nets over the bed, with edges tucked in under the mattress, and ensure that the net is not torn and that there are no mosquitoes inside.
• Use anti-mosquito sprays or insecticide dispensers or light a mosquito coil in bedroom at night.
The active ingredient is deet (diethyltoluamide), an acceptable insect repellent for 40 years. Apparently, of approximately 9,000 substances tested by the United States Department of Agriculture, deet emerged as the best repellent at the time.
Bayer explains, "Deet is the active chemical ingredient in most insect repellents available in the United States. It is used to repel such biting pests as mosquitoes and ticks – including ticks that may carry Lyme disease. (It) was originally developed by the US Department of Agriculture in 1946 for use by the US Army. Deet was registered in the US for the general public to use in 1957. Today, approximately 30 percent of the US population uses deet repellents each year."
The Bayer insect research division started in 1986 the development of a new repellent even though deet is already a very good chemical. The new substance had to come as close as possible to being an ideal repellent in terms of effectiveness, safety, cosmetic properties, material compatibility and formulation. Deet already satisfies most of these requirements but Bayer took the challenge of looking for something even better.
Bayer researchers achieved their goal. They employed computerized structural analyses to evolve the new Bayrepel generation of active ingredients from over 800 compounds. Bayrepel is toxicologically harmless, outstandingly kind to the skin, shows a minimal absorption rate, and is suitable for children from the age of two onwards.
The company proudly claims, "The last investigation to which Bayrepel was subjected concerned the cosmetic properties of its formulations. Tests were conducted in the Bayer experimental laboratories, in test institutes for cosmetic products and in consumer studies. Here, too, Bayrepel achieved exceptional results: The substance has extremely high dermatological tolerance, is not sticky, and is pleasant to use."
Bayrepel, the new generation of insect repellents, is marketed exclusively under the Autan brand name. Distribution started in Europe in 1998, and will be extended successively to all markets throughout the world. Recently, the new breed of pleasant-smelling repellent, Autan, arrived in Manila.
But since all these substances have a weak or very weak repellent effect, these oils may not completely drive the nasty insects away. You may also have to apply these oils more frequently because the period of action is also very short.
Make sure that you are not allergic to these oils or their frequent application. Whatever you choose, make sure you and your children are protected.