An alternative to Off, homemade bug repellent

[mbjannusch]

The use of B vitamins seem to have a good outcome.

 

[Thomas Linton]

You can find dozens of things that are said to work. Three or four work when tested. Use whatever you like. Free country and all that.

http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/skeeters.asp

 

[SwiftDream]

I can attest from first hand knowledge that Lemon Eucalyptus is very effective. I always keep a tiny nalgene of this in my pack and the full spray bottle in my vehicle. It has been effective against mosquitoes and those biting juniper gnats.

 

[pinnah]

Speaking as a research scientist, I've concluded that discussions of peer reviewed science tend to go badly on the Internet. Roughly speaking, either people at open to accepting it or they aren't and talking about it won't change that. There's actually a paper that discusses this in detail but I digress.

I use Deet.

 

[mbjannusch]

Whats the point of talking about it then??? Guess we just have to ask TL he seems to be the expert, or so he thinks.

 

[Thomas Linton]

I am neither a present or former spert. I am merely someone who can read.

 

[pinnah]

Whats the point of talking about it then???

Matt, when it comes to science, I think it's useful to talk about sources of reliable peer reviewed information. For example, finding that CDC summary was very useful.

I also think it's useful to talk about implications of the science. Interesting to be reminded that there's no benefit in going above 50% DEET for instance.

I don't think it's particularly useful to discuss the validity of the science though. That's best sorted out in peer reviewed journals and conferences, not forums. Nothing stopping anybody from participating other than a lengthy time investment.

 

[mbjannusch]

For some reason I thought the OP asked for recommendations for Alternatives for Off. That's what I've given, and my opinion of how it worked for me. If people want to state chemistry and scientific data, maybe that should be left for something other than a open forum.

 

[pinnah]

Matt, you be percieving conflict where none is meant. A great deal of what is good (IMO) about the government does is to invest in science for the benefit of the general public. To make my bias clear, most of my work is on the tax payers' nickel and I hope my research (different field) helps.

The CDC makes this information available for the general public precisely so we, the general public can have access to it and to discuss at our dinner tables and, yes, on forums.

Thomas has pointed us to some of that science.

You have different experiences.

Thomas correctly encouraged you to use what you want.

I don't see any conflict other than differing opinions and experiences. Freedom of choice.

 

[mbjannusch]

I appears that the written word is misunderstood once again. I'm hardly looking for conflict, just stating my experiences and opinions.

 

[JWL]

+1 to Lemon/Eucalyptus oil. Easy to make, and works well. I just rub the oil on my palms, then onto exposed skin. Reapply every couple of hours, depending on many factors.

 

[Thomas Linton]

CDC
"Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD (chemical name: para-menthane-3,8-diol), the synthesized version of OLE. Products containing OLE and PMD include, but are not limited to, Repel and Off! Botanicals. This recommendation refers to EPA-registered repellent products containing the active ingredient OLE (or PMD). “Pure” oil of lemon eucalyptus (essential oil not formulated as a repellent) is not recommended; it has not undergone similar, validated testing for safety and efficacy, is not registered with EPA as an insect repellent, and is not covered by this recommendation."

Anecdotally, essential oil of eucalyptus works but not for the six hours of synthesized oil of eucalyptus.

 

[KuRUpTD]

Skeeters freakin love my blood...I've found that Repel lemon eucalyptus really keeps them from biting.

Just picked up some Sawyer Picaridin to test out but the Repel works great.

Lemon Eucalyptus is as effective as DEET for 75% as long. Like DEET, it will not protect bare skin unless placed on the skin. It does not have the side effects of DEET. Again, certified effective by CDC.