The Travel Doctor - Protecting Yourself From Insects

Protecting Yourself From Insects

Arthropoda is the largest species in the animal kingdom. Among its members are insects, spiders, ticks, scorpions, caterpillars, moths, butterflies, centipedes, millipedes and grasshoppers. Arthropoda developed a mechanism to produce and deliver venom; this venom can be used to protect their environment or kill or immobilize their prey. Arthropoda deliver venom in many different ways: bites, (spiders, caterpillars), stings (ants, bees, scorpions), and secretions (millipedes, caterpillars). A traveler who enters their environment (either on purpose or accidentally) may sustain injury.

Consider using insect repellents containing DEET on exposed parts of the body. The most effective insect repellents contain DEET in concentrations up to 95% (e.g. Muskol). The higher the concentration, the longer lasting the protection. However, high concentrations of DEET may cause severe skin rash. If significant amounts of DEET are absorbed through a child's skin, seizures and neurologic damage can result. Therefore, repellents with high concentrations of DEET should be used sparingly on infants and young children. Several insect repellents that have distinct advantages over pure DEET-containing compounds are available on the US market:

Ultrathon Insect Repellent (3M) contains 35% plus a polymer that reduces drug absorption and losses from moisture (sweating, swimming). It offers up to 12 hours of protection compared with 4-6 hours for the same concentration of DEET alone.
Sawyer "30" Insect Repellent (Sawyer Products) contains 30% DEET which is strong enough to repel disease-causing insects while reducing chemical exposure when frequent applications are necessary.
DEET Plus (Sawyer Products) contains 17.5% DEET and two other "numbered" compounds that, together, provide four hours of protection.
Skedaddle! (Little Point Corp) is EPA registered for children because it contains only 9.5% DEET plus a polymer that reduces drug absorption by 72% and it provides 4-5 hours of protection.

As any Texan knows, because of the presence of fire ants in the Lone Star State, sitting on the ground can put you into direct contact with ground level insects. Instead, use a towel or mat.

Spray permethrin on clothing, mosquito nets or fabrics.

Far more than a repellent, permethrin is an insecticide that can be applied to clothing and fabrics.Insects are knocked down, or killed, on contact with the treated fabric and it is completely safe for humans. Permethrin bonds tightly to the treated fabric, even through multiple washings, and lasts a minimum of 2 weeks per application. Use permethrin in conjunction with a DEET-containing insect repellent and you can achieve up to 100% protection against disease-causing mosquito, tick, and fly bites.

Need more information on health and wellness?

Click here for information on diet, nutrition and health resource books. Learn when to see the doctor and what causes symptoms.