Non food Item Tip of the Month September 2011

Be sure to include insect repellant. You want to get some form of bug spray to add to your kit.  There are many different types and brands out there. Now is the time to buy some, as the summer season is coming to an end. Do not worry, you can rotate it out next spring/summer. Pull out the stored supply and replace and rotate it in the spring/summer next year.

Things to consider when choosing a repellent:

• The type of pests present - ticks, mosquitoes, etc.
• The numbers and activity of pests.
• Where you are going - swamp, backyard, etc.
• Whether the area has pests carrying diseases.
• How long you will be in infested areas.
• Your tendency to be bitten.
• Age - child, adult.

Tips for use of Insect Repellents

• Always read the entire label carefully before using. Follow all of the label directions, including restrictions for use on young children and the maximum number of applications allowed per day.

• Apply the repellent sparingly, and only on exposed skin surfaces or on top of clothing. Do not use under clothing. Heavy application and saturation are unnecessary for effectiveness. Repeat applications only as necessary.

• Do not get in eyes. If you do get repellent in your eyes, rinse immediately with water.

• Do not use the repellent on open wounds, or if your skin is irritated or sunburned.

• Avoid breathing spray mists and never apply sprays inside a tent. Use only in well-ventilated areas. Do not use near food.

• Wash treated skin with soap and water when you return indoors or when protection is no longer needed.

• Keep all insect repellent containers out of the reach of children.

• Always supervise the application on children.

• Avoid applying repellent to children's hands to reduce the chance of getting the repellent in their eyes and mouths.

• If you suspect that you or your child are reacting to an insect repellent, stop using the product immediately, wash treated skin and seek medical attention. When you go to the doctor, take the product container with you. 

Children, pregnant women and repellents

• Children may be at greater risk for adverse reactions to repellents, in part, because their exposure may be greater.
• Keep repellents out of the reach of children.
• Do not allow children to apply repellents to themselves.
• Use only small amounts of repellent on children.
• Do not apply repellents to the hands of young children because this may result in accidental eye contact or ingestion.
• Try to reduce the use of repellents by dressing children in long sleeves and long pants tucked into boots or socks whenever possible. Use netting over strollers, playpens, etc.
• As with chemical exposures in general, pregnant women should take care to avoid exposures to repellents when practical, as the fetus may be vulnerable.

Regardless of which repellent product you use, carefully read and follow all directions on the label before each use.