Categories: DIY

Do DIY insect repellents and other bug products work? – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Check out any pharmacy or sporting goods store, or browse online, and you’re sure to find a dizzying array of insect repellents, all claiming to thwart pesky – and sometimes dangerous – bugs like mosquitoes and ticks. But do they all work? Consumer Reports expert testing reveals that some repellents are much better and more effective than others.

With a quick internet search, you can find easy DIY homemade insect repellent concoctions.

And while the idea of using a repellent with more natural ingredients might sound appealing, Consumer Reports has a warning: The risks are just not worth it.

Mosquitoes and ticks spread dangerous diseases like West Nile and Lyme, so it’s super important you use an insect repellent that actually works.

“Homemade repellents haven’t been tested for efficacy or safety. So there’s no guarantee that they’ll work,” Catherine Roberts, a science journalist with Consumer Reports said. “And ingredients like essential oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.”

For years, Consumer Reports has tested many varieties of insect repellents, including many with natural ingredients. Each time the results are similar: The most effective repellents include those that contain 25 to 30% deet.

Consumer Reports tests also found that some non-deet repellents, like those that contain 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus or 20% picaridin, worked too – though not as consistently as deet.”

Two repellents that Consumer Reports recommends: 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent8 and Ben’s Tick and Insect Repellent Wilderness Formula Pump. Both provide excellent protection based on Consumer Reports’ rigorous tests.

And how about repellent alternatives that you don’t put on your skin that claim to keep the bugs away? When it comes to citronella candles, wristbands, and sonic repellents – there’s just very little evidence that shows that any of these really work.

Source

InfoLair

Our primary beliefs and values include giving our readers quality material, disseminating information to encourage informed thinking, and supporting policies and ideas. We frequently curate or extract content from reliable online sources in order to uphold those ideals.

Recent Posts

Here’s why running’s 10% rule has stood the test of time – Runner's World

To read the full article click below: Here’s why running’s 10% rule has stood the… Read More

17 hours ago

Summer Walker apologises to fans after In The City concert cut short – News24

Summer Walker apologises to fans after In The City concert cut short  News24Summer Walker slams event… Read More

2 days ago

Testing 2025’s Best Gutter Guards for Your Home – bobvila.com

To read the full article click below: Testing 2025’s Best Gutter Guards for Your Home  bobvila.com… Read More

4 days ago

Arts and craft festival returns to Berglund Center Friday – WSLS

Arts and craft festival returns to Berglund Center Friday  WSLS Source Read More

6 days ago

Gaza latest: Protests erupt around world after Israel detains Greta Thunberg on aid flotilla – Sky News

Gaza latest: Protests erupt around world after Israel detains Greta Thunberg on aid flotilla  Sky News… Read More

7 days ago

The best Photoshop tutorials to boost your skills and learn what's new – Yahoo! Tech

The best Photoshop tutorials to boost your skills and learn what's new  Yahoo! Tech Source Read More

7 days ago

This website uses cookies.