Getting Bugs to Buzz Off

Looking forward to a cool early morning walk in the woods? Or an evening jog along the shore? Exercising outdoors is delightful, but bothersome bugs can ruin the fun. What's more, they may carry dangers such as West Nile virus (mosquitoes) or Lyme disease (ticks).

You can reduce your risk and still enjoy being outside. There are even some non-toxic ways to keep the critters from chomping on you:

• Avoid mosquito mealtime, which is from dusk to dawn.


• To reduce contact with ticks, stay on trails, away from planted areas.


• Wear light-colored clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible.


• Stay away from shady, humid areas or standing water.


• Forget wearing perfume, scented soaps or other toiletries that make some bugs think you're just a very large flower.

Insect repellents offer higher levels of protection. Follow label directions carefully when using any repellent:

• A new plant-based mosquito repellent, made with oil of lemon eucalyptus, has recently been introduced in the U.S. The repellent is used on skin or clothing and has been shown to work against mosquitoes, biting flies and gnats. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports no adverse effects except eye irritation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has rated it as effective as low amounts of DEET, the leading active ingredient in many repellents.


• Another new introduction, Picaridin, a synthetic chemical, has been EPA rated with low toxicity. Scientific studies show it to be as long-lasting against mosquitoes as the chemical repellent DEET. Although data is limited, the CDC says Picaridin may offer some protection against ticks.


• DEET is still what physicians and scientists consider the "gold standard" of repellent ingredients in fighting mosquitoes and ticks. The EPA rates it as "slightly toxic," the next-to-lowest category of toxicity. Some people object to the feel or smell of DEET and others may be allergic to it. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends trying it on a test area of your skin before using on your whole body.


• Camping out? Tents treated with the chemical permethrin have been shown to protect campers better than insect repellent alone. Permethrin-treated clothing kills ticks and mosquitoes, even after being laundered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).