With the warm summer weather comes pesky and possibly dangerous mosquitoes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, repellents with the chemical DEET have always been the best way to keep the insects at bay. But now, the government says that repellents with the chemical picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, work just as well as some DEET repellents. Local experts say there appears to be some advantages to the products.
"Picaridin appears to be a little less irritating than the DEET, particular because the DEET can get into your mucus membrane and cause some irritation," said epidemiologist, Roy Crewz.
Picaridin also does not have the odor that DEET does. With oil of lemon eucalyptus, it's plant-based and completely chemical free.
"It's considered more of a natural alternative to a synthetic type of product like DEET," said Crewz.
Many are glad to have recommended alternatives out there for consumers. However, experts add that though the products are useful, they do not have a proven track record like DEET.
"They just don't have as much evidence yet in to their overall effectiveness," said Crewz.
The two products have been available worldwide for years, but could not compete with DEET repellents before.
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