As the summer season approaches, so does mosquito season. And with mosquitoes comes the risk of contracting serious diseases like Zika and West Nile Virus. So it's no wonder that people are on the lookout for effective mosquito repellants.
What are Wearable Mosquito Repellants?
Outside of the traditional citronella candle or bug spray you may think of when picturing a mosquito repellant, one type of mosquito repellant that has become popular in recent years is the wearable mosquito repellant. These devices typically take the form of a bracelet or clip-on that can be worn on your clothing or even attached to a bag or stroller.
Efficacy of Wearable Mosquito Repellants
So, do these devices really work?
The short answer is: maybe. Some studies have shown that certain wearable mosquito repellants can be effective at keeping mosquitoes at bay. However, other studies have been less conclusive.
Common Ingredients in Mosquito Repellant
One reason why the effectiveness of these devices may be somewhat uncertain is that there are a lot of different types on the market, and each type contains different active ingredients. Some of the most common active ingredients in mosquito repellants include DEET, picaridin, and IR3535.
DEET
DEET is perhaps the most well-known active ingredient in mosquito repellants. It's been used in mosquito repellents for decades and is generally considered to be quite effective. However, it can also have some negative side effects, such as causing skin irritation.
Picaridin
Picaridin is another common active ingredient in mosquito repellents. It's considered to be just as effective as DEET but without the negative side effects.
IR3535
IR3535 is another active ingredient that is sometimes used in mosquito repellents. It's not as well-known as DEET or picaridin, but some studies have shown it to be effective at repelling mosquitoes.
So, which active ingredient is best? That's tough to say. Some people may prefer one over the others, while others may find that a combination of two or more works best for them.
Ultimately, the best way to find out if a particular wearable mosquito repellent works for you is to try it out and see how it goes. If you find that it's effective at keeping mosquitoes away, then great! If not, then you can always try a different type or combination of active ingredients.
Protect Your Home and Family From Mosquitoes This Summer
Keep in mind that no mosquito repellent is 100% effective. If you are going to be in an area with a lot of mosquitoes, it's always a good idea to take additional precautions, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, and using mosquito netting.
With summer mosquito season just around the corner, it's more important than ever to protect yourself from these annoying and potentially dangerous insects. Want to be rid of mosquitoes for good? Contact our pest control experts at Modern Exterminating Co Inc to schedule an appointment today!