Mosquitoes, ticks and other "creepy crawlers" are responsible for the spread of illnesses that are on the rise, from Lyme disease to West Nile Virus, and CNN has some advice on how to stay safe from potentially dangerous bites during insect season this summer.
A new report released today from the Environmental Working Group reveals that no one particular bug spray works against every biting insect, but you are better off using products that are made with active ingredients registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Research shows that four chemicals found in many popular products on drugstore shelves provide a high level of protection from biting bugs: Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (and its synthetic derivative p-Menthane-3,8-diol, or PMD) and DEET. And despite DEET's reputation as being a harmful chemical, EWG researchers found it to be the most effective in fighting off pesky insects.
"We found them all to be safe, especially if people don't overdose on the product," the report's lead author David Andrews a researcher with EWG told CNN. "And these chemicals do protect people against a lot of rather nasty insects."
Mosquitoes infected more than 5,600 Americans with West Nile virus last year, and 286 people died as a result, the CDC reports. A new study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that the virus, which saw a decline over the past several years, has currently been on the rise after spiking in 2012.
The most insect disease-affected state? Texas.
Researchers analyzed the epidemic in Dallas, Tex. and found that serious outbreaks began after unusually warm winters, and seem to be concentrated in one particular area each year. Health officials say it's very important to be aware if your area is affected and to take proper precautions against getting sick.
"You need to know the insects that exist where you live and what works best against them," Andrews said. "No need to spray repellents for, let's say, ticks, if they're not prevalent in your area."
Health experts recommend a bug spray with a 30% concentration of DEET, which works as an excellent repellant so long as users don't overexpose their skin.
"The concentration level doesn't mean how much it protects," Andrews told CNN. "It means how long it protects. So if you are out for a few hours, 30% is just fine."
In addition to bug spray, the EWG advised covering up with clothing like long pants, long sleeves socks and shoes, and to be aware of and draining any stagnant water where mosquitoes and other flying insects love to breed. Kiddie pools and pet water bowls are just some of the items where mosquitoes may find a warm, wet home.
"We realize during the summer people aren't going to be wearing heavy clothing, or worrying about bugs as they enjoy the outdoors, " Andrews said. "So that's why we made this list. These products are out there, they are safe, and people should be using them to protect themselves."
Click here to learn more about the products the EWG reccommends for people to best protect themselves this summer, including DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus and picaridin.
