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Comments (8)
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Save/ShareSummer's in full swing—and to survive those backyard barbecues and camping trips, you're probably slathering up with sunscreen and bug spray. But here's a quick tip: Don't use a product that combines the two.
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Because DEET and sunscreen products have different instructions for proper (and safe) use, you risk overapplying DEET when using a combination product. For instance, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours, regardless of what you're up to (that's just good practice for avoiding sunburn). But DEET has a longer wear time, sometimes up to eight hours. So in protecting yourself from sunburn, you might be overexposing yourself to DEET.
The solution? Joseph Conlon, of the American Mosquito Control Association (an organization of mosquito-control professionals), says to apply your chosen sunscreen first, and then the DEET or bug-repellant product. That way, you can continue to put on sunscreen over the bug spray when you need to.
We're not promising you'll make it through the rest of summer sunburn- and bug bite- free—but that's all part of the fun, right?
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I have always dreamt of a combination bug repellent/sunscreen, but this article tells me why we have not seen a great market of these. It reminds me of a number of specialty painkillers in which the level of Acetaminophen does not match the level of the other ingredients so one risks Acetaminophen overdose.
So, long ago, I decided the best I could do at my woodland upstate New York cabin was to limit the bug breeding possibilities. Every year all the leaves are raked away up to a 25 radius from the building (and under the building) and any standing water areas are drained. What a difference these simple steps make.
And then I moved to Key West, where I figured the mosquitos would be thick, but thanks to a well-run Mosquito Control District, this southernmost city is also one of the most mosquito free cities I have ever been in.
In other words, better to stop them at their source than rely on chemical barrier at the problem.
Posted By Randolph Becker on August 10, 2009, 11:14 AM
DEET is best used when applied to CLOTHING and not directly to skin, especially broken skin. There have been some deaths and seizures associated with DEET use, especially when the percentage of it in the bug repelling product exceed 30%.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DEET#Effects_on_health
http://www.cdc.gov/mmWR/preview/mmwrhtml/00001475.htm
I have found that, if you swab yourself with a cotton ball soaked in plain white vinegar (haven't tried the fruity varieties, they may actually somewhat attract mosquitoes due to the scent), once you dry, you don't reek of it and it repels mosquitoes very well. Also, try to avoid using deodorants, perfumes, hair sprays/gels, and other scented items as they will DEFINITELY bring mosquitoes to you.
A few other suggestions...
If you have a problem with mosquitoes in your yard but want to host a BBQ, a temporary relief you could use is to get a chunk of dry ice and put it in the furthest corner of the yard from where people will gather. They will be attracted to the CO2 coming off of the ice and head in that direction.
Keep a citronella plant on the porch. It doesn't necessarily keep the bugs at bay that way, but if you take a leaf, crumple it up in your hand, then rub it on exposed body parts, the bugs stay away. Also, light some citronella candles and/or incense.
Some people make soaps using essential oils that help keep mosquitoes away. Look for citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, tree tree oil, and cedar wood oil. Or just mix the essential oils and rub them into your skin.
There's always the fallback of Avon Skin-So-Soft... it also makes your skin soft and has an odor that isn't too disgusting.
Posted By Jessidork on August 10, 2009, 12:55 PM
I recommend the Thermacell products to keep mosquitoes at bay. My friends who are surveyors say that they are the only things that keep them from being eaten alive in the swampy SC lowcountry where we live. Thermacell makes small portable devices that you carry, and also lamp type products to cover a bigger area.
Posted By Sarah on August 10, 2009, 4:34 PM
I've often used a product made by Avon that combines sunscreen and bug repellent. Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535. It's DEET free. Avon sells several related products:
More info here
Posted By Daria on August 10, 2009, 6:48 PM
I did purchase and use the Bull Frog sunblock and combo bug spray while on vacation last week. A couple of hours after I used it, I broke out in hives that lasted for 2 days. As soon as I got back to the hotel, I showered and lathered on the hydrocortisone. It seemed to slowly clear up. The spray went in the trash that day!
I'd always dreamed of this combo too.. Not anymore!
Posted By Stacey on August 13, 2009, 6:16 PM
Bath & Body had a great sunscreen with citronella oil in it that was nice because I couldn't smell it over the fragrance! And it worked great!
I'm a born blondie, always the first to get the bites every year, with them getting quarter-size without even scratching! Unfortunately they don't sell it anymore, so i'm thinking of mixing strong SPF with 100% essential citronella oil on my own!
Posted By Kae on March 17, 2010, 1:26 AM
Just a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw great layout. "He profits most who serves best." by Arthur F. Sheldon.
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Posted By odszkodowanie on March 5, 2012, 9:42 AM