My son loves to play outside. If I let him, he would probably just pitch a tent and live out there. Since that’s not happening, I do try toallow him as much time as possible outdoors. I really prefer it over sitting inside watching cartoons or what-not. The only problem with letting him play outside, during these hot summer evenings, is mosquitoes. It’s almost as if they’re just waiting for us to come out!

For some strange reason the pesky little insects don’t seem to phase my child at all. I have no idea why but he’s never complained about being bitten by one. I, on the other hand, feel like I’m going insane when they get me! Typical mosquito repellents seem to do the trick for me and I have put it on him before too, but I can’t help thinking about the potential dangers of  DEET when using it.

According to Quantum Health, the dangers of using DEET on children can be quite substantial:

With heavy exposure to DEET and other insecticides, humans may experience memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tremors and shortness of breath. These symptoms may not be evident until months or even years after exposure. The most severe damage occurs when DEET is used concurrently with other insecticides, such as permethrin, for prolonged and frequent periods of time. At this time, there is little information about the short-term, singular and occasional use of DEET. Further government testing of the chemical’s safety is necessary. However, frequent and long-term use of DEET, especially in combination with other chemicals or medications, could cause brain deficits in vulnerable populations, particularly children.

Until further studies are done, it is important to be cautious when using this insecticide:

Use insecticides containing DEET sparingly and infrequently. If you do use one on your skin, avoid wearing it for prolonged periods of time.

Be wary of using insect repellant containing DEET on children. Children are more susceptible to subtle brain changes caused by chemicals in their environment because their skin more readily absorbs them. Also, their still-developing nervous systems are more potently affected. For the same reasons,

NEVER use insect repellant containing DEET on infants.

Other potential risks of DEET include -

• Skin Rash or Irritation
• Blistering or Burning Sensation
• Itching or Redness of the Skin
• Disorientation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Numbness
• Seizures
• Insomnia
• Mood Swings

And, there are more…

Pretty scary, huh? Especially considering the fact that so many people use insect repellent without thinking twice about the damage is could be causing. I’ve made the decision to stop using it on my son and instead, use a natural vanilla extract alternative….

Safe Alternatives to Insect Repellent

Vanilla Extract Bug Spray:

What you will need -

• Water
• Pure, Clear, Sugarless Vanilla Extract*
• Spray Bottle (or cotton balls)

*It’s important to make sure that the vanilla is sugarless or else you will likely end up with sticky skin and possibly attract insects!

Directions -

Make your mixture half and half – 1 part vanilla extract, 1 part water. Combine in spray bottle. Spray on exposed areas of skin. Wa-laa! This is to make a large portion of the mixture, however, you can make and use it in small doses by combining 1 tablespoon of each and applying it with cotton balls. (You can also take a few drops of just the vanilla extract and dab it on pulse points – wrist, behind ears, neck – for extra measure.)

The spray will repel for around 30-45 minutes at which point you will want to reapply. It a a wonderful alternative to use on kids and reapplying so often is a small task in comparison to the potential dangers DEET poses. Not to mention, it’s cheap!!!

 Other known natural, essential oil insect repellents include -

• Peppermint Oil
• Clove Oil
• Citronella Oil
• Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
• Castor Oil
• Cinnamon Oil
• Cedar Oil
• Lemongrass Oil
• Geranium Oil

Many of the oils above can be mixed with alcohol or a carrier oil such as cooking oil, olive oil, witch hazel, or vodka to make a sufficient mosquito repellent. The mixture should be 1 part essential oil to 15-20 parts carrier oil or alcohol (about 5-10% essential oils). Store away from sunlight and heat, in a dark bottle. Spray should be reapplied about every 45 minutes.

Lastly, I have also heard that simple dryer sheets can help repel mosquitoes. You just rub the sheet over exposed skin. Here’s my only issue with that – I have no idea what chemicals are in a dryer sheet. I’m sure a quick google search would help render the answer but I’ll leave that one for you guys to check out on your own.

So what do you do to fight off mosquitoes during the hot summer months? Have you tried any of the natural remedies listed above? Or any others?

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