Here’s the buzz on insect repellent

The mere thought of mosquitoes, ticks, and insect bites is already enough to make you squirm and itch without actually being bitten. Aside from the itch, these insect bites can also be dangerous. During the rainy season, dengue cases usually rise because of the many breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The first line of defense in  keeping yourself protected is to have an effective insect repellent with you.

Here’s the buzz on what to look for in the right insect repellent:

-It works against a variety of insects.

Most insect repellents are not only effective against mosquitoes. Some can protect against various insects such as ticks, fleas, and other small biting and flying insects. With this wider range of protection, you can use your repellent not just during the rainy months or for mosquitoes but also in other environments where you are exposed to various biting pests.

-It won’t cause skin irritation.

Read the labels for ingredients, warnings, and the like to make sure they conform to safety standards. You can also do a skin patch test by applying it on a small area on your arm and checking back after 24 hours for adverse reactions.

-It has clear and simple instructions on re-application.

Look for insect repellents that give you long lasting protection against bugs with clear directions on when you need to re-apply. Not re-applying when needed will eventually render your repellent inactive. On the other hand, overapplication can have harmful effects. Read application instructions before using the product.

-It has no unpleasant smell.

Many of us are sensitive to smells and may not be amenable to applying insect repellent if we feel that the smell is too unpleasant. No matter how effective the product may be, if people refuse to apply it and re-apply it when needed, then it loses its purpose.

-Check if it is safe for kids.

Most insect repellent brands have special formulations for children. They may have different percentages of ingredients versus adult formulations because a child’s skin may be more sensitive to the chemicals. Again, always follow application instructions and make sure it doesn’t get into their eyes or mouth when applying.

Protecting yourself and your whole family from dreaded insect bites can be simple when you choose a safe and effective product. A brand like OFF! has a whole line to suit different needs in bug bite prevention. This makes it easier to ensure that we can avoid the diseases and inconvenience brought on by these bites. Choose OFF! Clean Feel, OFF! Overtime, or OFF! Kids.

Prevention is the best protection. Get your OFF Lotion in supermarkets and drugstores today.