10 FAQs About Mosquitoes & Natural Mosquito Repellent

April 23rd, 2010 Posted in Mosquitoes & Repellent


When mosquitoes become a problem in your area, your health and safety are at risk. And when it comes to your safety, you can never ask too many questions.


200443370-001



That’s where this article steps in.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about mosquitoes and natural mosquito repellent.

Read on to find out:

Why do I even need natural mosquito repellent in the first place?, When should I use a natural mosquito repellent?, How often should I reapply natural mosquito repellent?, How do mosquito repellents work?, Does natural mosquito repellent also kill mosquitoes?, Why are some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others?, How can people reduce the risk of being bitten around their home?, Why do mosquitoes feed on blood?, By using natural mosquito repellent, what diseases am I keeping away?, Does age or gender make a difference in attractiveness to mosquitoes?



  1. Why do I even need natural mosquito repellent in the first place?

    2. Besides just leaving you with itchy bite marks, mosquitoes transmit dangerous viruses. One in particular is the West Nile virus, which can cause serious illness or even death. And according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), using mosquito repellent reduces the risk of mosquito bites.




  2. When should I use a natural mosquito repellent?

    3. Anytime you are outside! Especially in the summer.


    summer

    Even though you cannot see them, that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Mosquitoes especially love to bite between dawn and dusk, so be extra cautious and apply repellent at these times.

    It’s important to remember mosquitoes bite during the day as well. Be safe and always apply natural mosquito repellent when outside.




  3. How often should I reapply natural mosquito repellent?

    4. A good rule of thumb is this: if you’re being bitten, it’s time to reapply. Also, if you are sweating or in and out of the water, you will need to apply more often.

    EcoSMART’s organic mosquito repellent works for hours, but you should still reapply if any of the above conditions are met.




  4. How do mosquito repellents work?

    5. Female mosquitoes seek the proteins found in our blood through the odors on our skin and carbon dioxide from our breath. Active ingredients like rosemary oil, citronella, or cinnamon leaf oil, make people unattractive blood meals.




  5. Does natural mosquito repellent also kill mosquitoes?

    6. No, just like the name suggests, it merely “repels” and keeps them off your skin. You may still see mosquitoes flying nearby, but not attacking. If you want to kill mosquitoes in your yard, use an organic insect killer instead.




  6. Why are some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others?

    7. The main attractant for mosquitoes is carbon dioxide, which all humans breathe out. But other body odors like sweat and lactic acid combined with heat are also a draw for mosquitoes.


    84406684

    Scientists have isolated over 350 compounds from odors produced by human skin. Testing is still going on to determine which of these compounds are more attractive than others. But they do know wearing perfume and drinking beer makes people more attractive.




  7. How can people reduce the risk of being bitten around their home?

    8. One easy way is to avoid being on your porch or deck from dawn till dusk. But if you are outside at that time, wear light colored, loose-fitting clothes. Mosquitoes are also weak fliers, so put a fan on your deck and turn it on when you’re sitting outside.




  8. Why do mosquitoes feed on blood?

    9. We all know they like our blood, but why is that? Only the females feed on blood (males feed on plant nectar) to provide nutrients to their eggs before laying them.




  9. By using natural mosquito repellent, what diseases am I keeping away?

    10. In addition to the West Nile virus, mosquitoes are known carriers of malaria, yellow fever, epidemic polyarthritis and several forms of encephalitis.




  10. Does age or gender make a difference in attractiveness to mosquitoes?

    11. Although exact factors of attractiveness are not known, adults are more likely to be bitten than children. Men are also bitten more often than women and larger persons tend to attract more mosquitoes.


    family

    These are just 10 of the many, many facts to know about mosquitoes. More certainly exist and the answers are out there.

    Do you have any more mosquito or natural mosquito repellent questions?


    megan-ahern

  1. 11 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!

  2. By JUDI WOJCIK on Apr 23, 2010

    I PURCHASED ECOSMART INSECT KILLER. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IT IS SAFE TO USE ON VEGETABLE GARDENS. WE HAVE WIRE WORMS IN OUR SOIL WHERE WE HAVE POTATOES AND CARROTS PLANTED. IF THIS IS NOT OK, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE THAT WOULD GET RID OF THEM? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

  3. By Tabatha Aaron on Apr 25, 2010

    My son gets bit by any mosquito within 100 miles so every tip I can get to help us out is great. Thank you for all the great tips.

  4. By Natalie on Apr 25, 2010

    When my dog came down with a fungal infection I knew it was time to do something about my grass. Went to home depot and tried out the eco smart. Now I am just waiting to see what will happen. from what I have seen I do believe they die on contact

  5. By Vi Thom on Apr 25, 2010

    I have been looking for an effective insect repellent for a while that is non-toxic.

  6. By Janet Brodeur on Apr 26, 2010

    I heard about your company on Paul Parent’s Garden Line radio show here in Massachusetts. In fact, I heard an interview with your company founder. I was very impressed by what I heard as I am always seeking safe alternatives in my home and garden. What I knew immediately was that I wanted to learn more about your product line. I am someone who has used cinnamon to repel ants and other such home remedies as well as an organic mosquito repellent used on the lawn(containing I believe essential oils of cinnamon and cloves). I hate to ever use toxic chemicals. My current biggest problem is with red lily leaf beetles on my lilies. Any progress with that beetle yet? I have read that nothing has been found to eradicate them.

  7. By EcoSMART Megan on Apr 27, 2010

    Dear Janet,

    Thanks so much for the comment! EcoSMART’s Garden Insect Killer is great for garden insects.

    I’ve never written something specifically about red lily leaf beetles but you’ve inspired me to do some research. Keep checking back!

  8. By EcoSMART Megan on Apr 27, 2010

    Dear Judi,

    The Garden Insect Killer is safe to spray on garden plants and vegetables.

  9. By Carlos Torres on Apr 28, 2010

    I need to find the best repellent for mosquitos. I am to sweet for then.

  10. By Carlos Torres on Apr 28, 2010

    Thank You very much for your web page.

  11. By kelly speirs on Apr 29, 2010

    We live at the cottage all summer long. Both us humans and our dogs are affected terribly by mosquitos and black flies.
    Love to become a tester for this new and exciting product!
    Thanks!

  12. By Norma Roen on Apr 23, 2011

    I ‘ am a home owner and would like to treat my home, inside and out with natural products. I would like to be a tester for EcoSMART Products.

11 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers! (details)