4 mosquito repellent lies circulating on the internet
CBC News | Posted: August 13, 2016 4:00 PM | Last Updated: August 13, 2016
Dispelling myths about diet, plant-based alternatives and the newest tech gadgets
You've wolfed down garlic, you've slathered yourself in special multipurpose lotions and all your limbs are adorned with vibrant bug-repellent bands — but all you've managed to do is ostracize yourself from friends and family.
The mosquitoes are still flocking to you like bees to honey.
What are you doing wrong?
Here are four popular myths floating around on the internet about mosquito repellents.
1. Natural is better
Many people equate natural to better, or even safer. But that's not the case when it comes to bug repellents.
While some plant-based oils (soybean, lemon, camphor, geranium, eucalyptus, pine needle) have been approved by Health Canada, their longevity and safety testing pales in comparison to that of DEET.
DEET has been used since 1946, and its toxicology has been more closely scrutinized than any other repellent. Governments have deemed it safe for children, pregnant women and women who breastfeed.
According to Health Canada guidelines, essential oils are not safe for children under two.
Entomologist John Swann with the University of Calgary said in most cases, these plant-based repellents only last 30 minutes to two hours.
"Half an hours' protection? You're going to have to constantly be applying it," he said.
2. There is a magic diet
Sorry, you can eat as much garlic or as few bananas as you like, but that's not going to help keep mosquitoes at bay.
"The only thing that garlic's probably gonna repel are your friends and family," said Swann.
Science hasn't confirmed the theory that what you eat can make you more or less attractive to insects. But researchers do know that mosquitoes are more attracted to certain chemicals that people emanate.
"Foods that are secreted through sweat and that are repellent might be somewhat effective but at what cost? Social ostracism?" said Ken Fry, horticulture professor at Olds College.
3. Two-in-ones save time
Products that combine skin moisturizer or sunscreen with insect repellent are not approved in Canada.
While some products claim to multitask, these are actually less effective at doing their advertised jobs than single-purpose products, Swann said.
Separate sunscreen and insect repellents can be worn safely at the same time, but they should be applied separately.
Apply your sunscreen first, let it absorb, and then put on the insect repellent.
4. Tech gadgets will save the day
Odour-baited mosquito traps, electronic or ultrasonic devices and wristbands, neckbands and ankle bands that contain repellents do not protect well against insect bites.
Health Canada advises you steer clear of them, as they're not very effective or long-lasting.