Insect Repellents - A Cooperative Extension Guide for Homeowners
By Kirsten Compton
September 12, 2003
With the threat of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus looming in Arizona, homeowners need to know how to protect themselves. In addition to getting rid of standing water in the yard where mosquitoes can breed, we can apply repellents to skin and clothing to discourage mosquitoes and other insects from biting.
Yet selecting an insect repellent can be baffling. Which product lasts the longest? Is it safe for children? Does it protect against all types of insects?
To address this issue, the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension recently produced the publication "Insect Repellents." The six-page, 8 ½"x 11", full-color guide includes:
- How do we attract biting arthropods?
- Choosing insect repellents
- Using insects repellents safely
- Important information on using repellents
- Types of repellents
A unique feature of the guide is the inclusion of time frames showing how long the products last on the skin. Readers may be surprised to find that some products last only minutes while others last for hours. The guide includes chemical, botanical and child-safe repellents.
Dawn H. Gouge, UA assistant specialist in entomology, prepared the publication to inform homeowners and families with children on how to protect themselves from biting arthropods. The publication is free and can be obtained online.
For questions or more information contact Dawn H. Gouge at (520) 568-2273 ext. 223 or dhgouge@ag.arizona.edu.
- Updated: September 12, 2003
