Mosquito Repellent Clothing
Mosquito Repellent Clothing: The methods mosquitoes employ to detect hosts are varied and complex. Dawn and dusk are the times when most mosquitoes are active, though we have to allow for exceptions. Besides the use of mosquito repellent clothing, there are many other ways to protect you from mosquito bites. Using mosquito attractants that can lure them away, using an efficient insect repellent, and avoiding actions which reduce the effectiveness of such repellents are the most commonly employed techniques.
There are many things and activities that attract mosquitoes. Knowing what they are can help you to avoid them, thus protecting you from irritating experiences.
1. Mosquitoes prefer dark colors to light ones. Avoiding the use of dark colored clothing outdoors can help to protect you from mosquitoes to a certain extent. If at all you are wearing dark colors, let it be made of mosquito repellent clothing. Likewise, it is better to keep away from thick undergrowth, as mosquitoes colonize these.
2. Mosquitoes are able to sense an increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, thereby sensing the whereabouts of potential victims. Even wearing mosquito repellent clothing does not prevent this. One tends to breathe faster during strenuous muscular activity, and this releases more carbon dioxide to the air that surrounds you. Burning candles and fire also do the same. So even though you are not engaged in any physical activity, your proximity to a fire can increase the chances of getting bitten by mosquitoes. You can be safe to an extent by wearing these clothing.
3. The same holds true for lactic acid too. Physical activity leads to the buildup of lactic acid in the muscle tissues, and this attracts mosquitoes. Besides exercise, lactic acid production is enhanced by salty food, and food items with high potassium content.
Mosquito Repellent Clothing
4. As any ordinary insect, mosquitoes too are attracted by fruity and floral fragrances, not necessarily all natural. Floral perfumes, shampoos, moisturizers, lotions, even floral scented fabric softeners and dryer sheets too can draw them to you, so it is better to wear mosquito repellent clothing to keep them off.
5. Body temperature is another factor to be reckoned with. Mosquitoes are attracted to the colder extremities of the body.
6. Moisture is another mosquito magnet. The chemicals contained in sweat along with the humidity it creates around the body attract mosquitoes. Wet plants and stagnant mud puddles are their common breeding grounds.
Natural mosquito repellents and mosquito repellent clothing
The most common natural repellents are volatile oils extracted from plants. Different mosquitoes react differently to the same plant oil, so a combination of many of them may prove to be more effective. Unfortunately, their effects last only for 2 hours, so a frequent application is necessary. Some of the more commonly used plant oils are lemon grass oil, clove oil, citronella oil, castor oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, geranium oil and cedar oil. Mosquito repellent clothing on the other hand do not use any natural repellent, but is still considered safe.
Strong smelling oils extracted from garlic, thyme, basil, pine lavender and allspice too are found to be effective for a short while. An insecticide named pyrethrum, derived from the flowers of chrysanthemum has also been found effective.
Things that lower repellent effectiveness, and mosquito repellent clothing
It is a common complaint that the effectiveness of mosquito repellents is short lived. Many factors contribute to this.
1. Using many sunscreen lotions can bring down the effectiveness of the repellent. Sunscreen lotions are scented, which mask the repellent odor of the plant oil, thus making it ineffective.
2. Exposure to excessive humidity, like rain, swimming or perspiration can dilute the power of the repellent. Wearing mosquito repellent clothing can protect you in this case.
3. The plant oil gets absorbed into the skin after a while, thus necessitating a re-application.
4. High temperature and exposure to strong winds can cause the volatile oils to evaporate quickly.
Wearing mosquito repellent clothing can give you a better protection in these cases. Typically, the cost of such clothing ranges from USD $40 to $90.
Caution must be exercised while using natural repellents. Natural does not necessarily mean safe, and some of these oils are in fact toxic. People who are sensitive to plant oils should be careful while using these. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The most effective mosquito repellent and mosquito repellent clothing
The hands-down winner has to be Diethyl Toluamide (DEET for short). Controlled-release formulas of DEET have found to be the most effective repellent so far. A typical formula would have 20% to 34% concentration, while higher concentrations contain 30% to 100% of the ingredient.
DEET has been used for the past fifty years, and its toxicity has been tested repeatedly over these years. Though the human body absorbs DEET, studies show that within twenty four hours it gets eliminated through urine. Testing for the toxicity of repellents is a costly and time consuming process. The higher concentration of DEET remains the only repellent of that category to be tested and passed for toxicity in the US, so it is the only repellent available there with very high concentration.
In 2008, a chemical named picaridine was introduced as an alternative to DEET. A 20% formula of this chemical was found to have many advantages over its rival – it was a better repellent of flies, smelt better and did not affect plastics. But it was not as long lasting as higher concentrations of DEET.
Lower concentrations of the active ingredients in all repellents including DEET provide protection for a shorter while. Mosquito repellent clothing can add to its shielding effect. Higher concentration does not necessarily mean stronger protection; it means the duration of the effect would last longer. Studies have shown that the effect of a 6.7% of DEET lasted 112 minutes, whereas 10% of the natural oil Citronella was effective only for 19.7 minutes.
Repellents containing lower concentrations of active ingredients are more suited for use during shorter outings that typically last for 1 to 4 hours. For a whole day’s outdoor activity, it is better to choose higher concentration of repellents.
Those going to insect infested areas should try the two-pronged approach of carrying a higher concentration repellent that lasts for longer duration, and wear mosquito repellent clothing. Controlled-release formulas like 3M Ultrathon and Sawyer Ultra 30, and 100% DEET formulas like Ben’s 100 Max and Sawyer Jungle Juice 100 can provide protection for up to 10 hours with a single application. There are controlled-release formulas that can provide up to 14 hours’ protection.
These clothing and hats are treated with permethrin, a safe chemical that prevents bugs from attempting to bite the hard to reach areas of the body like backs, shoulders and calves and through clothing. You can make your clothes bug repellent by treating them with Sawyer’s permethrin products, or you can buy pretreated clothes, called Bug Shield® or Insect Shield®.
The extra thick force field offered by mosquito repellent clothing along with controlled-release repellent can keep you protected for hours; this shield can be further strengthened by using a head net and body netting, both treated with permethrin.
So it is now time to use Mosquito Repellent Clothing.
The methods mosquitoes employ to detect hosts are varied and complex. Dawn and dusk are the times when most mosquitoes are active, though we have to allow for exceptions. Besides the use of mosquito repellent clothing, there are many other ways to protect you from mosquito bites. Using mosquito attractants that can lure them away, using an efficient insect repellent, and avoiding actions which reduce the effectiveness of such repellents are the most commonly employed techniques.
There are many things and activities that attract mosquitoes. Knowing what they are can help you to avoid them, thus protecting you from irritating experiences.
1. Mosquitoes prefer dark colors to light ones. Avoiding the use of dark colored clothing outdoors can help to protect you from mosquitoes to a certain extent. If at all you are wearing dark colors, let it be made of mosquito repellent clothing. Likewise, it is better to keep away from thick undergrowth, as mosquitoes colonize these.
2. Mosquitoes are able to sense an increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, thereby sensing the whereabouts of potential victims. Even wearing mosquito repellent clothing does not prevent this. One tends to breathe faster during strenuous muscular activity, and this releases more carbon dioxide to the air that surrounds you. Burning candles and fire also do the same. So even though you are not engaged in any physical activity, your proximity to a fire can increase the chances of getting bitten by mosquitoes. You can be safe to an extent by wearing these clothing.
3. The same holds true for lactic acid too. Physical activity leads to the buildup of lactic acid in the muscle tissues, and this attracts mosquitoes. Besides exercise, lactic acid production is enhanced by salty food, and food items with high potassium content.
4. As any ordinary insect, mosquitoes too are attracted by fruity and floral fragrances, not necessarily all natural. Floral perfumes, shampoos, moisturizers, lotions, even floral scented fabric softeners and dryer sheets too can draw them to you, so it is better to wear mosquito repellent clothing to keep them off.
5. Body temperature is another factor to be reckoned with. Mosquitoes are attracted to the colder extremities of the body.
6. Moisture is another mosquito magnet. The chemicals contained in sweat along with the humidity it creates around the body attract mosquitoes. Wet plants and stagnant mud puddles are their common breeding grounds.
Natural mosquito repellents and mosquito repellent clothing
The most common natural repellents are volatile oils extracted from plants. Different mosquitoes react differently to the same plant oil, so a combination of many of them may prove to be more effective. Unfortunately, their effects last only for 2 hours, so a frequent application is necessary. Some of the more commonly used plant oils are lemon grass oil, clove oil, citronella oil, castor oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, geranium oil and cedar oil. Mosquito repellent clothing on the other hand do not use any natural repellent, but is still considered safe.
Strong smelling oils extracted from garlic, thyme, basil, pine lavender and allspice too are found to be effective for a short while. An insecticide named pyrethrum, derived from the flowers of chrysanthemum has also been found effective.
Things that lower repellent effectiveness, and mosquito repellent clothing
It is a common complaint that the effectiveness of mosquito repellents is short lived. Many factors contribute to this.
1. Using many sunscreen lotions can bring down the effectiveness of the repellent. Sunscreen lotions are scented, which mask the repellent odor of the plant oil, thus making it ineffective.
2. Exposure to excessive humidity, like rain, swimming or perspiration can dilute the power of the repellent. Wearing mosquito repellent clothing can protect you in this case.
3. The plant oil gets absorbed into the skin after a while, thus necessitating a re-application.
4. High temperature and exposure to strong winds can cause the volatile oils to evaporate quickly.
Wearing mosquito repellent clothing can give you a better protection in these cases. Typically, the cost of such clothing ranges from USD $40 to $90.
Caution must be exercised while using natural repellents. Natural does not necessarily mean safe, and some of these oils are in fact toxic. People who are sensitive to plant oils should be careful while using these. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The most effective mosquito repellent and mosquito repellent clothing
The hands-down winner has to be Diethyl Toluamide (DEET for short). Controlled-release formulas of DEET have found to be the most effective repellent so far. A typical formula would have 20% to 34% concentration, while higher concentrations contain 30% to 100% of the ingredient.
DEET has been used for the past fifty years, and its toxicity has been tested repeatedly over these years. Though the human body absorbs DEET, studies show that within twenty four hours it gets eliminated through urine. Testing for the toxicity of repellents is a costly and time consuming process. The higher concentration of DEET remains the only repellent of that category to be tested and passed for toxicity in the US, so it is the only repellent available there with very high concentration.
In 2008, a chemical named picaridine was introduced as an alternative to DEET. A 20% formula of this chemical was found to have many advantages over its rival – it was a better repellent of flies, smelt better and did not affect plastics. But it was not as long lasting as higher concentrations of DEET.
Lower concentrations of the active ingredients in all repellents including DEET provide protection for a shorter while. Mosquito repellent clothing can add to its shielding effect. Higher concentration does not necessarily mean stronger protection; it means the duration of the effect would last longer. Studies have shown that the effect of a 6.7% of DEET lasted 112 minutes, whereas 10% of the natural oil Citronella was effective only for 19.7 minutes.
Repellents containing lower concentrations of active ingredients are more suited for use during shorter outings that typically last for 1 to 4 hours. For a whole day’s outdoor activity, it is better to choose higher concentration of repellents.
Those going to insect infested areas should try the two-pronged approach of carrying a higher concentration repellent that lasts for longer duration, and wear mosquito repellent clothing. Controlled-release formulas like 3M Ultrathon and Sawyer Ultra 30, and 100% DEET formulas like Ben’s 100 Max and Sawyer Jungle Juice 100 can provide protection for up to 10 hours with a single application. There are controlled-release formulas that can provide up to 14 hours’ protection.
These clothing and hats are treated with permethrin, a safe chemical that prevents bugs from attempting to bite the hard to reach areas of the body like backs, shoulders and calves and through clothing. You can make your clothes bug repellent by treating them with Sawyer’s permethrin products, or you can buy pretreated clothes, called Bug Shield® or Insect Shield®.
The extra thick force field offered by mosquito repellent clothing along with controlled-release repellent can keep you protected for hours. This shield can be further strengthened by using a head net and body netting, both treated with permethrin.
Tags: Mosquito Repellent Clothing