posted
Do any of you know of an effective insect repellent that doesn't use DEET or other toxic chemical? Please share if you do!
I am chemically-sensitive and have always had a tough time using DEET products. I love the outdoors and starting to have some good days (after 2 months of abx) and dying to go for a a "safe" walk in the woods!
Thanks, -s.
Posts: 22 | From Bay Area, CA | Registered: May 2005
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lymeloco
Unregistered
posted
quote:Originally posted by earthgirl: Do any of you know of an effective insect repellent that doesn't use DEET or other toxic chemical? Please share if you do!
I am chemically-sensitive and have always had a tough time using DEET products. I love the outdoors and starting to have some good days (after 2 months of abx) and dying to go for a a "safe" walk in the woods!
Thanks, -s.
Lemon Eucalptus oil. I have the Off Botanicals with Eucalptus in it.
janet thomas
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7122
posted
I have read several times that DEET is not a good repellent for ticks. I spray all the shoes in my home with permethrin. It kills ticks on contact. I spray the shoes outside and let them dry before I bring them back inside. Sawyer is one brand.
There is clothing called Buzz Off which is treated with permethrin.. Orvis and LLBean carry it.
I believe the US military uses clothing treated the same.
posted
A Prospective Cross-Over Field Trial Shows Protection of Lemon Eucalyptus Extract Against Tick Bites
Authors: Ann Gardulf; Ingrid Wohlfart; Rolf Gustafson
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology, November 2004, vol. 41, no. 6, pp. 1064-1067(4)
Publisher: Entomological Society of America
Abstract: Ixodes ricinus can transmit several microorganisms, out of which Borrelia burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus are the most important pathogens in humans. A lemon eucalyptus extract (Citriodiol) has been shown to be a natural repellent against mosquitoes, stable flies, and midges. We have investigated whether the use of the extract would reduce the number of attached I. ricinus ticks in humans. A volunteer sample of 111 individuals was recruited among healthy, outdoor active adults living in two highly I. ricinus-infested areas. They were randomly divided into two groups: one group applied the Citriodiol spray daily for 2 wk to the lower extremities, whereas the other group was instructed not to use any type of repellent on any part of the body. After 2 wk, the scheme was reversed. All volunteers filled in a daily diary, giving information about outdoor activities and the number of observed, attached, or not yet attached ticks, including the anatomical location of the ticks found. Forty-two attached ticks were reported during the weeks when the Citriodiol spray was used, and 112 were reported when it was not. The median number of reported attached ticks per person decreased from 1.5 (range, 0-9) to 0.5 (range, 0-2; P < 0.05) during the weeks when the repellent was used. The number of reported attached ticks noted below the waist was 13/42 (31%) during the period when the spray was used and 73/112 (65%) when no spray was used (P < 0.001). No evident redistribution of attached ticks from protected areas to unprotected areas was seen. Citriodiol may become a useful means in reducing the number of tick bites and thereby tick-borne infections, although additional studies are warranted.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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Lyddie
Unregistered
posted
Avon Skin-so-Soft ....comes in different strengths, scented and unscented. Recommended in the Lyme Fdn. book and we are using it.
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trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
Where can you get the Lemon Eucalyptus Extract?
The sites foggy pointed to-they dont have this, they have citronella-very different.
Is OFF botanicals the only source? Is it concentrated enough?
quote:Originally posted by trails: Where can you get the Lemon Eucalyptus Extract?
The sites foggy pointed to-they dont have this, they have citronella-very different.
Is OFF botanicals the only source? Is it concentrated enough?
Trails
You can get it at health food stores, and on-line. Amazom.com is one I know of. I believe there are many more places on-line. I read c.d.c. is recommending it also. Good Luck finding it.
Beverly
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 1271
posted
Hi,
I use permethrin on cloths and shoes, but I have not found anything that works good on the skin.
I used Repel brand Lemon Eucalyptus lotion..and I found a tick on the nape of my son's neck..and I rubbed the stuff in his hair.
So I am looking for soemthing that works too...right now I don't want to even go for a walk in the woods anymore...not unless I am completely covered in cloths.
posted
Thanks everyone! Anyone else with specific recommendations for products (and where to get them)? -s.
Posts: 22 | From Bay Area, CA | Registered: May 2005
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posted
Hi earthgirl, I would like to second Lyddie on Avon's repellent. They have repellent which is citronela based with 4 secret natural ingredients that boost the citronela's effectiveness.
They have formulas with sunscreen 15 and 30 spf.. They also have wipes (you can get several uses out of one wipe and sprays with and without spf..
Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner recommends it in her book as the best. She followed an entemologist that studied the stuff and found it to be the safest and best repellent.
So safe that it doesn't need to be washed off at night before bed, unlike the other deet containing products. The new formulas have a nice scent, better than the skin so soft oil you grew up with.
We started using it as soon as we suspected Lyme in our daughter. So far so good! I have really been helping my avon lady's business. I tell all of my friends about it! Take care!
Posts: 270 | From Charlotte, NC | Registered: May 2005
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robi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5547
posted
I have heard that catnip is one of the best natural repellants around. As of yet i have not found catnip essential oil anywhere, but Id imagine that you can grow your own and crush a leaf and rub it on your skin and clothes
Posts: 154 | From NH | Registered: Sep 2003
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