Insect repellents aim to make surfaces unattractive to insects, often by masking the scents that attract them. DEET is the most effective chemical repellent, but natural plant products like citronella oil can also be used. Bug zappers attract and kill insects, but some argue that they also attract more insects to an area.
To repel insects, products attempt to transform a surface that is naturally attractive to insects into one that is undesirable. Insect repellents are designed to discourage insects from landing where they have been applied. Smell is thought to be the strongest attraction to insects, so repellants try to replace the scents that attract them with ones that keep the insects away.
Humans are a prime target for insects, possibly because many insects, particularly mosquitoes, are attracted to carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound emitted by humans. To repel insects, products are applied to the skin or clothing trying to mask this scent.
Many readily available products claim to repel insects. Repellents can be applied to the skin and clothing in the form of sprays, lotions, foams or sticks. There are repellents to rub, repellent candles and coils to burn. The active ingredients used to repel insects are synthetic chemicals or plant derivatives.
The chemical DEET is widely believed to be the most effective way to repel insects. The protection it offers in repelling insects must be balanced against its toxic properties. The warnings and precautions on the DEET product label must be read and heeded. DEET is the active ingredient in many forms and brands of insect repellents.
The products also use plant derivatives to discourage insects from coming into contact. Citronella oil, a liquid derived from various herbs, is a commonly used insect repellent. Citronella oil emits a distinctive, strong odor thought to confuse insects. Natural plant repellents are generally considered to be less effective than those containing DEET. Natural plant products need to be applied more frequently and produce a stronger scent than chemical alternatives.
Other plant derivatives believed to have natural insect repellent properties include the oils of clove, peppermint, cedar, rosemary, garlic and cinnamon. Lemon eucalyptus extract is also believed to have insect repellent properties. Insect repellents that use these ingredients can be purchased or made at home.
Bug zappers are devices that use fluorescent light to attract insects to them. The bugs fly towards the light and are met with an electric current which kills them. Some bug zappers also emit carbon dioxide providing additional bait. Insect zappers are controversial as they do not repel insects, but rather attract them. Some believe that the disadvantage of attracting more insects to an area outweighs the advantage of killing them.
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