Spring is here and so are the bugs
by Sandy Fitzgerald
How soon we forget!
Here we are. We’ve waited all through those winter months to finally get outside and enjoy the spring weather. We’ve wanted to garden or maybe just sit outside on a warm evening, enjoying the starlight. Either way, we’ve waited all this time to get outside and what do we get?
Ouch! Slap! Ouch! Slap!
That’s right. We’re not the only ones who are happy that it’s spring. The bugs are out too, and they’re hungry! And what do they want to eat, especially mosquitoes? Our blood!
But there are plenty of ways to keep those bugs away from you, and even if you live in the subtropics, you can still enjoy an evening outside without becoming a dinner buffet for a swarm of insects.
It’s all in the repellent you choose.
The thing is, you have to be careful what you choose. After all, if it’s a pesticide strong enough to kill or repel bugs, you need to be sure it’s something safe and gentle enough that it won’t hurt your skin.
The main bug that bugs most of is the mosquito. It’s hard to believe one little tiny creature can cause so much damage – and potentially, illness.
Many experts recommend using a natural-based, DEET-free repellent when choosing something that the whole family can use. For example, one of IMshopping’s assistant found Liquid Net natural oil repellent that features all natural ingredients including lemon grass, cedarwood and cintronella, is DEET free, and is non greasy and safe for the whole family. In addition to repellig mosquitoes, it will keep away gnats, ticks and many more of those insects that bite and bite on you.
Meanwhile, according to medical experts, insect repellents with DEET are okay to use on children, if they’re older than two months of age. Just be careful about using it around open cuts or scrapes, because it, like any repellent, does sting.
Additionally, studies show that Avon’s Skin So Soft may work great at keeping your skin soft, but it won’t do much to keep bugs away from you. It’s better to buy a dedicated insect repellent, and reapply it often if you’re sweating, swimming or using sunscreen.
You might also want to consider investing in some bug candles or lanterns. While these items don’t kill bugs, and you’ll still get bitten if you leave the radius of coverage promised by the item, they’ll keep the bugs at bay enough so you can enjoy your outdoor cocktail hour or cookout. Not only that, many of them come in very decorative containers, and you can keep the bugs away while adding nice decorations to your deck or patio. Just be sure to buy enough to do the job.
So don’t worry so much about the bugs. After all, you’re bigger AND smarter than they are. Make a little bit of investment now, and you can enjoy the outdoors, stay bite free and healthy.