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Avoid Mosquito Bites With These Simple Items (no DEET)
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items As mosquito born illnesses like are on the rise worldwide, it makes sense to take every precaution to avoid a mosquito bite. We originally compiled this list for our readers heading to the Amazon jungle, but these suggestions work for any location wi...
Sections
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Use Insect Repellent Without DEET
Pre-Treat Your Clothes
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Use Insect Repellent Without DEET
Why no DEET? Check out the first item in this list from Scientific American.
And this is why we have chosen to stop using DEET and have moved to Picardin.
Is it true that the DEET used in most mosquito repellents is toxic?
This is our hands down favorite when it comes to bug spray. It is listed on the CDSC list of recommended insect repellants.
Sawyer SP543 Premium Insect Repellent 20% Picaridin
If you want zero chemicals, Oil of Lemon Ecualyptus is also recommended by the CDC.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray
Remember Avon Skin So Soft? It was a common solution for bug spray when I was growing up. It has IR3535 in it… which is now being repurprosed as a bug spray rather than a lotion.
Insect Repellent Family
Pre-Treat Your Clothes
This nasty looking stuff is not for your body. It's for your clothes. And it works! Pre-treat the clothing you plan on wearing on your next trip to a mosquito prone area.
Permethrin Fabric Treatment | Sawyer Products
Another permethrin option for pre-treating your gear and clothes. Seriously, pre-treating stops insects like mosquitos and other biters from landing on your clothing.
Permethrin Spray for Clothing
At Insect Shield, you can also buy pre-treated clothes OR send them your clothes to be treated. Who knew?
Shop Insect Repellent Clothing and Gear for the Entire Family
Wear Appropriate Clothing
When in mosquito prone areas, protect your body parts by wearing lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants instead of shorts and t-shirts.
Cut to the chase and buy clothing already treated with permethrin - lasts far longer than self treatments at home.
Insect Repellent Hoodies & Pullovers
A great sun hoodie is handy for two reasons - it protect you from the sun and helps provide a layer that mosquitos may have trouble biting through (especially if you treat with permetherin - see above).
Women's Sun Hoodies
I love a great REI hiking pant. The less skin that shows, the more likely you will avoid bites!
Women's Hiking Pants: Lightweight & Quick Dry Outdoor Pants | REI Co-op
Only for the most mosquito of areas, like Alaska in the summer time and the Amazon during the rainy season, I recommend a hat with a net.
Mosquito Net Hat
Wear long socks… again, it's tough for bugs to get through the layers. Socks are especially important if you are trying to avoid ticks as well as mosquitos.
Knee-high Hiking Socks | REI Co-op
It's like clothing for your bed… a great bed net canopy can work wonders for those times when you do not want to be dressed from head to toe.
Canopy Netting For Bed