DID YOU KNOW?

Planting marigolds around your yard also works as a bug repellent because the flowers give off a fragrance that bugs do not like. This is a great way to ward off mosquitoes without using chemical insecticides. A simple house fan could also help keep mosquitoes at bay if you're having a get-together in your backyard.

Steer Clear of Chemical Repellents, Especially DEET

Currently, DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is used in more than 230 different products -- in concentrations of up to an astounding 100 percent. If a chemical melts plastic or fishing line, it's not wise to apply it to your skin -- and that is exactly what DEET does.

Duke University Medical Center pharmacologist Mohamed Abou-Donia spent 30 years researching the effects of pesticides. He discovered that prolonged exposure to DEET can impair cell function in parts of your brain -- demonstrated in the lab by death and behavioral changes in rats with frequent or prolonged DEET use. Children are particularly at risk for subtle brain changes because their skin more readily absorbs chemicals in the environment and chemicals more potently affect their developing nervous systems. Other potential side effects DEET exposure include:

Memory loss	Headache	Muscle weakness and fatigue
Shortness of breath	Muscle and joint pain	Tremors

Keeping Insects at Bay the Natural Way

Fortunately, there are highly effective repellents on the market comprised of natural botanical oils and extracts that are every bit as effective as DEET, but with none of the potentially harmful effects.

Another option is to use the safe solution I have formulated to repel mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and other biting insects.

It's a Natural insect repellent with a combination of oil of Lemon -Eucalyptus, Rose-Geranium, citronella, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil, and vanillin, which is a dynamite blend of natural plant extracts.