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Factors to consider when choosing a mosquito repellent

Factors to consider when choosing a mosquito repellent

There is nothing more irritating than the constant buzzing of mosquitoes and a mosquito repellent that fails to perform as expected. Several mosquito repellant devices are available on the market, in different types and  an array of  brands. Choosing something efficient from the vast range can take time and effort. Understanding how they work and knowing a few tips on  how to select the best repellent device on the market can help. 

Factors to consider when choosing a mosquito repellent
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a mosquito repellent:

Types of mosquito repellent
Mosquito repellents come in various forms. They can be sprays, wipes, lotions, creams, and patches for the body. Suppose one wants to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house. In that case, one can opt for insect-proofing screens, shutters for doors and windows, mosquito-repellent fans, or even electric or battery-operated mosquito sticks or bats. Mosquito-repellent creams or sprays might be best for hiking or trekking trips, but a mosquito fan is more appropriate for outdoor parties or camping. Even for the repellents that one can apply to their body, it is essential to consider which is suitable: roll-ons, patches, lotions, sprays, or wipes. This choice depends on the ingredients, ease of application, duration of protection, and so on.

Ingredients
It is imperative to examine and scrutinize the safety of the ingredients when applying mosquito repellents to a person’s skin. Natural oils like eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass are effective natural mosquito repellents. However, some people are allergic to these oils. DEET is one of the most widely used repellents to prevent mosquito bites. Another common ingredient is picaridin, which is an active ingredient in most chemical preparations. The primary ingredients of mosquito repellents are usually printed on the packaging along with their concentration levels; anyone can check this before buying.

Affordability
Of course, a natural concern when purchasing things is the price. Natural mosquito repellants are the most affordable. However, it is only fit for personal use. When more than one person needs mosquito protection, buying an electronic mosquito repellant might be a sensible idea. The cost of refills and duration of efficacy are factors to consider before purchasing mosquito-repellent devices like sprays and roll-ons. For electrical devices, the cost of running them and the units of electricity they consume must be factored in addition to the cost of the device itself. While price is an important factor, it is essential to maintain sight of what matters most. Mosquito repellents prevent irritating, itchy bites and diseases like malaria and Zika. Thus, while considering affordability, it is crucial to avoid skimping when choosing a mosquito-repellant device.

Application
Ease of application is essential when considering mosquito repellants. While applying lotions can result in dirtying the hands, sprays and roll-ons are easier to use on an individual. Natural oil applications require carrier oils like coconut or olive oil so the skin is not damaged. Application also depends on context; it might be easier to spray while hiking than a bottle of mosquito-repellent oil. Odor and feel must also be considered, as some people can be sensitive to smells. Remembering that a patch test can help choose a mosquito-repellent device is also essential.

Safety concerns
Mosquito-repellent devices are designed to be deadly to mosquitoes, but they should not be unsafe for the user. The mosquito repellant device must be chosen appropriately based on the individual’s convenience and the use situation. Small children or pets must be kept away from the device. Those who are pregnant might feel nauseated by the smell, and electric devices might be a hazard for children and seniors.

Effectiveness of the device
Most important is the effectiveness of the mosquito repellant device.  Expensive or fancy devices might  not  be the best if they  do not  provide the necessary protection.  Once again, one must consider the ingredients and the duration of protection the mosquito-repellent device offers. Some repellants protect for only six hours, while others extend to 8 or 12 hours. This factor is critical to deliberate over, especially if there is a focus on saving costs. A mosquito-repellant device that lasts long and does not need refills frequently is both practical and affordable. It is important to consider whether one wants to repel or kill mosquitoes. Oils and sprays can only repel, while mosquito fans are more suited to eradicate the critters from the house or yard. 

Repellents for travel
When traveling, it is necessary to stock up on mosquito repellents that have been tried and tested. Heat and humidity can dilute the repellent, and it might need frequent reapplication. The type of activity an individual performs and how much they will sweat will determine how much reapplication is required. When traveling with children, it is necessary to consider patches or nets that cannot be rubbed off or accidentally ingested. The type and quantity of mosquito repellents used for travel must also be carefully considered.

Reviews and research
It is always essential to do some research beforehand about mosquito-repellent devices.  Some devices  might  look fancy on the website or look very aesthetic. However, the most important part of the product description is the review. Reviews of customers who have previously purchased and used the product are helpful and might point out what works and what does not. Such assessments help the individual better understand what to expect from the mosquito-repellant device. It is essential to look into all the options and consider what suits the specific needs before purchasing. 

Prevention
If one is looking to insect-proof their yard, after applying an insect repellent, it is important to take preventive steps to avoid mosquito infestation. Cleaning out stagnant water in the yard or periodically treating the swimming pool water can help prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. Keeping outdoor spaces neat solves half of the problem. However, this is  not always  possible when hiking or traveling to a tropical country. So, looking for the best mosquito repellent on the market is vital. 

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