A wet, rainy summer means more breeding grounds for mosquitoes; more mosquitoes means potentially more cases of West Nile virus. In an ideal world, our ecosystems would be in perfect balance, with fish and birds keeping mosquito populations in check. So what can you do to give nature a hand keeping the pests at bay? Here are a few suggestions.
ALFRESCO ANTI-BUG BITE
For a more luxurious approach to bug control, these moisturizers and atomizers offer DEET-free protection. Essential oils of lavender, melissa and geranium provide the perfume and are the active ingredients that repel mosquitoes. Manufactured in England, the company ships worldwide; the products also have some star appeal. According to its literature, Alfresco was the bug repellent of choice on the set of the film Cold Mountain
OFF! MOSQUITO LAMP
A new product from the company that brought us the ubiquitous mosquito coil, this bug repellent has an insecticide pad that hangs above a small candle in a plastic lamp. Heat from the candle activates the pyrethroid insecticide, which is a synthetic form of an extract from chrysanthemums. The active ingredient, which can be harmful if used improperly, is the same as that found in the coils but comes in a much more attractive package that provides a pleasant glow.
BITE ME
This line of natural repellents is available in three fragrances-Mostly Lemon, Mostly Lavender and Mostly Mint-and was developed and is produced in Newfoundland and Labrador, a province known for its voracious mosquitoes. The fresh-smelling creams and sprays contain eight essential oils: lemon grass, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, cedarwood, rose geranium, vetiver and citronella; they're being marketed as “the natural bug fighter with attitude.”
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