Natural and effective ways to keep insects away

DEET, a chemical commonly used in store boughten insect repellents, is effective in repelling flies, ticks and mosquitos when applied to skin.

But some people are worried about side effects of DEET when used in high concentration.

An alternative to using a manufactured insect repellent containing DEET is finding a natural deterrent.

Victoria Shamblen, a naturalist for the Plymouth County Conservation Board, says mosquitos and ticks are often attracted to humans due to the carbon dioxide we give off. Odors and smells from perfumes and lotions we apply can also attract some insects.

The main insects people try to avoid are mosquitos, ticks, flies, ants and pirate bugs, also known as no-see-ums.

"The best way to keep insects away is to not attract them, take away their needs: food, water, shelter and space, and they will go away," Shamblen said.

When this solution does not work, there are natural repellents people can turn to in order to avoid insect bites.

Mosquitos, a common pest of the summer season, can be repelled by throwing sage or rosemary into the coals of your fire when barbecuing, naturalist Shamblen said. These flying pests can also be avoided by mixing one part garlic juice to five parts water in a spray bottle. Then spray the mixture on any exposed skin. This natural repellent can last up to six hours.

An article on natural insect pest control on eartheasy. come found that an effective mosquito repellent often used by campers is to mix Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil half and half with rubbing alcohol. The insects do not like the fragrance of this mixture and will avoid it. Lemon grass is also effective.

Mosquitos lay their eggs in still water, which makes a good incubation ground. Another way to avoid mosquito and their larva is to remove water from any tire swings, baby pools, or bird baths every few days to ensure no larva is laid.

Ticks, arachnids related to the spider, are another insect to avoid during the summer.

A myth about ticks is that they fall down from the trees into a person's hair and clothes and then attach themselves to the skin, but what they really do is the exact opposite.

"Actually, ticks cling onto a piece of grass with their two front legs extended, ready to catch their next victim, and once on you they start crawling until they find a dark space to attach to you," Shamblen said.

According to Shamblen, this method of finding a host is called carbon questing, ticks find a host by the carbon dioxide it gives off and then jump onto the host to find a spot to attach.

One of the most effective ways to avoid ticks, according to Shamblen, is to wear light colors in order to see a tick if crawling on you, and to tuck your pants into your socks.

In order to avoid the flyswatter this summer is to use mint as a natural fly repellent. Small sachets of crushed mint placed around the house will discourage flies from coming into the home, Shamblen said.

Ants, a common pest when barbecuing or eating outside, can be repelled with garlic cloves. Slip pieces of the clove into the cracks of sidewalks, decks or patios to get rid of these crawling insects.

Marigolds and Basic H, a Shaklee product used as a safe multi cleaner, can also be used to repel multiple insects. Marigolds, when planted around a house or patio give off a scent that bugs and flying insects do not like, and Basic H, when applied to skin, can repel biting and stinging insects well.

This summer, put away the cans of DEET repellent and reach for a natural way to repel the pesky insects of the season.

For more information on natural insect repellent go to http://www.eartheasy.com/live_natpest_co....