Here are a few ways to fight one of summers worst univited guests.
Good news however, there are people working hard to create repellants for you, and here are a few that I recommend.
Everyone has at one time or another used the spray on type of insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and the like. I would also venture to say that for the most part, they worked okay for a short time, but these days, we want longer lasting, stronger coverage. I am a firm believer in the 100% Deet product from Deep Woods Off. I have spent many hours in the woods at night in the military and have used my share of repellents. I can say that the only one that I ever noticed really doing the job was the Off product. Basically if you think it smells good, it probably won't work. Ask my wife, when I get home from two weeks in the woods, the last thing I want anywhere near me is bug spray"¦. Of course, two weeks in the woods is more than most people will ever have to endure, so if your just looking for something to use around the house you can probably use as slightly less powerful product and accomplish good success.
Speaking of around the house, there are a whole bunch of other products that you can use that won't require you to smell up your house and require a shower after their use. Citronella Candles are one option and they also add a subtle ambiance to your deck or patio. They do work and are hardly noticeable when burning, meaning they don't stink! Off also produces a product that they call the "Lamp & Lantern" which is said to protect an area 15 times greater than the citronella candles and is proven to work in extreme mosquito conditions. It comes with a stand that will sit at about 4 feet high and will also give off a nice look to your out door deck or patio.
What about foggers"¦they are slightly more expensive, and require a little more work than the other products listed, but this device will kill, not just repel the insects that your most bothered by. The fogger runs about $70 and the refill bottles about $8. Once you spray the area, you will remain insect free, though I couldn't find out anything about exactly how long you will be insect free however. Maybe that information is given to you at the time of purchase? The machines are also available in an electric powered version as well. I wasn't able to find out much about their effectiveness though.
Finally lets talk about a device that I did some research on and have even seen on TV recently. I have not tested it personally, but it is called the "Personal Insect Shield" and it is basically an insect resistant force field that extends to 15 feet around the wearer. It is a compact device that uses a natural plant extract scent to repel insects. It is said to repel anything from mosquitoes to biting flies and doesn't require needing a shower after use. The device uses a small fan to emit the repelling oil vapor. Each cartridge is said to last up to 120 hours and it runs on 2 AA batteries for up to 50 hours. Moderately priced at $30, it doesn't sound like a bad deal, if it works. Replacement cartridges are sold separately of course and I was unable to locate how much they were.
Could this be the wave of the insect repelling industry? Guess some of us will have to buy one to answer that question.
