Don't Get Bitten!
Updated: Sep 10
There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes, but the members of three bear primary responsibility for the spread of human diseases. Mosquitoes are the only species known to carry malaria. They also transmit filariasis, also called elephantiasis. Some mosquitoes carry encephalitis, filariasis, and the West Nile virus. And the Aedes mosquitoes, of which the voracious Asian tiger is a member, carry yellow fever, dengue, and encephalitis.
Mosquitoes transmit disease in a variety of ways. In the case of malaria, parasites attach themselves to the gut of a female mosquito and enter a host (you) as she feeds. In other cases, such as yellow fever and dengue, a virus enters the mosquito as it feeds on an infected human and is transmitted via the mosquito’s saliva to a subsequent victim.
ZIKA
None of us want to think about any more viruses, pandemics, or zombie apocalypses. True we have had enough, but the fact still remains. Some viruses were scary enough before Covid 19. Like the Zika virus. Zika virus is still here and spreads to people mainly through the bite of an infected mosquito. With warmer weather and shorter winters mosquitoes are getting harder and harder to avoid or get rid of. Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the day, but they can also bite at night. That can be an annoying ,biting problem to us folks that spend a lot time outdoors. The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
The Bear Butt Hammock Bug Net
A great way to relax outdoors! One of the best ways to enjoy the warm weather is chilling in a hammock swaying in the wind. Yet with biting flies, mosquitos, and ant,s that can be less than than relaxing. Then comes hammock nets! A great way to keep the biters at bay! But not all mosquito nets are all they are chalked up to be. One major problem is getting in and out of your hammock net. Getting in and out of your hammock while encased in a net can be a little tricky, depending of what style net you choose. I have found that a horizontal Zipper types are much easier to get in and out of compared to the vertical ones. Much easier!
Use Insect Repellent. Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Find the right insect repellent for you by using EPA’s search tool. Buy now during colder months and save!
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1. Ben's 30% DEET Mosquito, Tick and Insect Repellent, 3.4 Ounce Pump
by Ben's
Ben's 30% DEET mosquito, tick and insect repellent offers the minimum DEET concentration recommended by the CDC for protection against mosquitos, ticks and biting insects.Offers 8+ hours of protection against insect-transmitted diseases including Zika Virus, West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Lyme Disease, and Dengue Fever and other infectious diseases.Our DEET formula won't absorb into your skin. The water-based formula stays on skin's surface rather than being absorbed.Easy to apply, the spray pump bottle provides thorough coverage for complete protection. Fragrance free so you'll smell the great outdoors, not your repellent.The 3.4-ounce spray pump fits in your pocket so you can take it anywhere. TSA-compliant size. Price:$7.74 ($2.28 / Fl Oz) & FREE Shipping. ORDER YOURS HERE!
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2. REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Ounce
Repel(R) Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
Repel mosquitoes for up to 6 hours with this DEET free insect repellent! Finding a DEET alternative that protects you during outdoor adventures can be difficult. Luckily Repel(R) brand offers a plant-based insect repellent that also provides lasting protection. List Price:$6.99 Price:$5.29 & FREE Shipping. You Save:$1.70 (24%) Order yours here today.
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3. Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin
Sawyer Products offers advanced solutions for protection against sun, bugs, water, and injuries.
Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent
Long lasting protection and gear safe
Safe to use on the whole family, Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent is highly effective at deterring a wide array of insects and is great for use on both skin and clothing.
Is Picaridin as Effective as DEET?
Picaridin is the perfect balance of efficacy, safety, and user-friendliness. It repels a wide variety of pests including mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, sand flies, gnats, chiggers, and midges. One of the longest lasting repellents available, it provides up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks (using the lotion; up to 12 hours for spray models), and up to 8 hours against a variety of flies, chiggers, and gnats.
Is Picaridin Save for the Whole Family?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the active ingredient Icaridin (which is how Picaridin is known around the world) as the product of choice for malaria prophylaxis. Price:$12.82 & FREE Shipping. ORDER YOURS HERE TODAY.
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4. Off! Deep Woods Dry Aerosol Insect Repellant, 2.5 Ounce (2 Count)
Long Lasting Protection from Mosquitoes, Ticks, Biting Flies, Gnats and ChiggersGoes on Dry with no overpowering scentCan be applied to Children by AdultsUse on Hats, Shirts, Pants, Socks and exposed skinConvenient 2 pack for on the go. Price:$8.90 & FREE Shipping. ORDER YOURS HERE TODAY!
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5. Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent, 4-Ounce Pump Spray
Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito & Insect Repellent Spray contains 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus — the only plant based ingredient recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Repels mosquitoes & insects for up to 6 hours: Repels mosquitoes that may transmit Zika virus, West Nile virus, Dengue virus & Chicungunya virus.Â
Murphy's Naturals Plant-Based D.E.E.T. Free Lemon Eucalyptus Oil insect repellent goes on easy with a cool, refreshing scent. This unique, plant-based active ingredient repels mosquitoes, include those that may carry Zika virus, West Nile virus, Dengue virus, and Chikungunya virus.Â
Made with Citriodiol® – a clinically proven plant based insect repellent that is naturally and sustainably sourced. Our 4 oz pump spray bottle contains 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus — the only plant based ingredient recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Good for the family, good for the planet. Price:$12.00 & FREE Shipping. ORDER YOURS HERE TODAY.
D.E.E.T FREE! Not Greasy or Sticky After It Dries. Made with Citriodiol® – a clinically proven plant based insect repellent that is naturally and sustainably sourced. Good For The Family, Good For The Planet. Won't Harm Gear; For Extra Protection Apply to Clothing. Cool, Refreshing Scent. Ingredients: Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Deionized Water & Ethanol. Price:$12.00 & FREE Shipping.
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OTHER WAYS TO AVOID GETTING BIT Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin. Stay indoors when possible, especially if there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect. If you are going to be staying outdoors, there are plenty of different size nets and netting to cover up with. I have a hammock I use while camping that has a built in mosquito net. Works great! Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely. Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes. Replace your outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights, which tend to attract fewer mosquitoes than ordinary lights. The yellow lights are NOT repellents, however.
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With the mild winters the mid-west has been having for a couple of years, the bug populations are dramatically on the rise. With no hard freezes and lots extra rain, the mosquitoes are going to be thick in 2019. Mosquitoes are most active in mornings and evenings, right before the sun goes down. Keep this mind when planning your outdoor activities. Don't keep your lantern near you when camping or you are guaranteed to be eaten alive!
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