Can repellent opt as a sole method for insects?

What is insect repellent?

Insect repellents are chemicals or substances that are used to terminate insect problem mosquito, ants, cockroaches, and lizards, to name a few. Any insect repellent even chemicals are safe if used carefully. So make sure to read the direction label carefully before the use of insect repellent.

Some repellents are not meant to kill insects but their purpose is to keep the insect at bay. The main purpose repellents are made for is to keep you safe from the diseases insect can spread.

Various types of repellents

Multiple ingredients are used as active ingredients in repellents. The substances that are used in household repellents are mostly registered by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Deet, Picaridin, and IR3535 are some of the most used active ingredient names.

 Permethrin is also used but it can’t be used on the skin directly. Other than these nowadays plant-based repellents are used widely. Plant-based repellents are sake for the environment and don’t have any negative long-term effects on health as well.

Central Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also say products with EPA registered substances are safe to use. Repellents come in the form of a spray, lotion, etc.

How do repellents work?

Insects are attracted to humans by the CO2 we release, and body odor. Repellents disrupt the insect's sense of smell. Repellent has a fragrance that covers up our body odor and keeps the insect-like mosquito away.

Can repellent be used permanently against insects?

There is no one answer to this question. In some cases where you don’t use repellents very frequently, they can use as a permanent solution. But in some cases, pests make resistance against repellents. So repellent doesn’t work any longer for them.

You have to study the pests and solution patterns you are using. If you are opting for organic methods and having good results. Then it can be used as a permanent solution to your pest problem. But for the chemical products, long-term use can start giving side effects as they are not completely safe.

However, I will suggest switching the method in between to change the pattern. So that pests can’t create resistance against the repellent you are using.

Precautions for using repellents

Repellents are designed to use with some rules and safety caution. Ignoring the instruction label can cause problem that you didn’t think of. For minimizing the risk factor it is necessary to follow the instruction for use.

Do not use more repellent thinking will work fast. Using the amount labeled to use is more than enough for one time.

Don’t expose your cuts, burned skin, and damaged skin to repellent.

Keep the repellent away from the face.

In case of using essential oil as a repellent, don’t apply them directly to your skin. Mix the essential oil with some base cream or lotion before use.

Read the instruction label carefully before use.

Repellent can be the best product you use to distress yourself from pest problems. But they should be handled with care, especially with kids.