Nothing ruins your weekend camping trip or your afternoon picnic like pesky mosquitoes and insects. That's why choosing the right repellent is so important. There are endless products on the market and they don't all work the same way, so it's important to understand a few things before choosing one.
Instructions
Instructions
1. Make a list of all the insects you expect to be in contact with, and may need protection from. Will you be staying near a lake or a dense forest? Every environment poses different issues, so do your research to know what you will be facing. This will help narrow down your repellent choices.
2. Look for the active ingredients that are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two of the best-known chemical ingredients are DEET and Picaridin; pick a product with either of these two ingredients. If you are searching for an all-natural option, you can always choose oil of lemon eucalyptus.
3. Decide how long you'll be outside. Different repellents have different concentrations of active ingredients and, therefore, they have varying periods of effectiveness. If you are going to be spending the entire weekend outdoors, you will need different protection than if you are going on a 1-hour hike.
4. Check the concentration of the active ingredient on the label. The higher the concentration, the more potent is the repellent. Thus, there will be less need for constant reapplication. High concentrations are ideal for lengthy outdoor activity. If you are only planning on picnics and hikes, then you can choose a product with a lower concentration.
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