Don't head into woods without repellent

THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published August 28, 2001

OLYMPIA -- Lots of people are heading into the woods this coming weekend. And lots of mosquitoes are out there waiting for them.

Only the foolish forget their insect repellent.

Insect repellents confuse their sense of smell, says Dr. Kevin Haughton, a family practice doctor.

"The most common and effective insect repellents for outdoor use are those that contain DEET," Haughton said.

DEET is available in concentrations from 5 percent to 100 percent. But it should be used only in concentrations of 10 percent or less on children. People with concerns or questions about their children using repellents that contain DEET should ask their pediatrician.

Higher concentrations of DEET are not more effective, they only give longer-lasting protection.

Citronella and other essential oils applied to the skin work for a short period -- typically less than an hour, Haughton reports. Avon Skin-So-Soft, which relies on citronella oil, is popular, and besides deterring mosquitoes, it comes with sunscreen and skin moisturizers.

The Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, School of Medicine, San Diego, says that DEET remains one of the most effective repellents against a wide variety of insects. Though adverse reactions have been reported, the compound has been used safely by hundreds of millions of people over the past 40 years.

Permethrin also works against mosquitoes, but it should be applied to clothes instead of the skin. It also seems to be more effective against ticks and other biting insects. A combination of permethrin on clothes and DEET on exposed skin is an effective barrier against most insect bites.

Insect repellent should be washed off when it is no longer needed.

Mosquito forecast

- The mosquito activity forecast for Olympia area over the Labor Day Weekend: 5.6 -- average.

- Web site: For mosquito forecasts for other areas, visit www.skeeterbites.com.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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