What You Should Know About Mosquito & Tick Spread Illnesses
Hello DERMAGLOVER’s!
I am sure you have heard the news lately regarding mosquitoes and ticks spreading illnesses in the US. I suggest families have a travel bug spray handy for trips, hikes, and other outdoor activities. I prefer organic bug spray because I can apply it to my entire body, including hair and under clothing, without worrying about rinsing. I typically spray down my dogs and gear as a general practice. Regardless of whether it's natural-based repellent or chemical-based repellent, you need to know the facts about ticks and mosquitoes.
These are the most common FAQs I receive, so here you go:
Do mosquitoes cause Lyme disease?
This is a myth; the fact is, there is no credible evidence that supports that the bacteria from Lyme disease can be transmitted through air, water, and or mosquito bites.
Can bites from mosquitoes make you sick?
Yes. Any infected mosquito can spread germs to people or animals through bites. Not everyone infected with a mosquito-borne germ gets sick. These germs (viruses, parasites) are transferred by biting an animal's or human's skin.
Do bites from mosquitoes spread germs?
Yes. There are roughly twelve varieties of mosquitoes in the US; there is no way to know which ones carry germs and which do not. The best defense against being bitten is to use repellent.
What illnesses are spread by humans from infected mosquitoes?
Dengue Fever is caused by any one of four related viruses transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito.
Malaria is caused by a parasite that commonly infects Anopheles mosquitoes. It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected female mosquito; the mosquito can only transmit this disease after receiving blood from an infected person.
Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on aperson infected with this virus.
La Crosse encephalitis can be transmitted to humans by biting an infected Aedes triseriatus mosquito.
St. Louis encephalitis can be transmitted to humans through a mosquito bite by an infected Culex species.
West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes (especially Culex species). West Nile virus (WNV) can cause serious illness in humans and animals.
Zika is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. It is also spread through sex with an infected individual. Additionally, if a pregnant woman is infected, she can pass the virus to her fetus during pregnancy.
Can mosquitoes spread other diseases like HIV, AIDS, STDs, Herpes, and Hepatitis?
The answer is NO. There is no evidence that insects, mosquitos, or ticks can transmit these diseases.
Can ticks spread disease, infections, and viruses?
Yes, read below to learn how the tick-borne diseases are spread:
Babesiosis is a disease spread by microscopic parasites from the bite of an infected black-legged (deer) tick.
Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected lone star tick.
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected black-legged (deer) tick.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected black-legged (deer) tick.
Powassan virus is a rare but severe disease caused by a virus spread by biting infected ticks.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a rare disease caused by the bite of an infected American Dog tick.
Ticks that commonly bite humans are:
Black legged (deer) Tick (Ixodes scapula)
Lone Star (Amblyomma americanum)
American Dog Tick (Dermacentar variabilis)
Finding a repellent that is right for your family is key.
The CDC recommends considering these two options as the most effective:
DEET-based insect repellent: If you prefer a chemical-based repellent, any DEET-based insect repellent with a 30% concentration delivers lasting protection against most biting insects and pests.
Pros: It's versatile, practical, and less expensive.
Cons: Considered a controlled chemical, the product label instructions require a few extra steps; this includes rinsing toxic residue from the skin, should not be applied under clothing, can damage clothing, and the coverage to the skin is limited and offers short-term protection.
Important information you should also know about using this chemical-based repellent: DEET is generally safe for human health. DEET is unsafe for pets, and children under two years of age should be closely monitored. They should not have this type of repellent applied more than once a day, and their skin should be rinsed off after a few hours following application.
2. Lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE): If you prefer organic insect repellent, use lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE); any product that includes this oil as an active ingredient with a concentration of 30% is highly effective against biting insects, including gnats, flies, no-see-ums, mosquitoes, and ticks.
Pros: This essential ingredient is organic, will not upset the body's chemistry or pH balance, does not require skin rinsing, and provides a long-term solution.
Cons: Some people might have mild skin reactions, so the product should be tested on a small skin patch before being applied to the entire body.
OLE is the refined extract of the lemon eucalyptus tree, which has been recognized for its holistic properties for centuries. In the 1950s, it became famous as a natural repellent for mosquitoes, biting flies, and gnats. In 2000, the EPA approved OLE as an insecticide. It is predominantly used to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting bugs and pests. The oil of lemon eucalyptus has been tested against mosquitoes in the US and provides protection similar to repellents containing up to 30% concentrations of DEET.
BUG OFF ME is your protection against mosquitoes and ticks.
After extensive research and development, DERMAGLOVE® custom-crafted BUG OFF ME, incorporating OLE as a key component in the final formula. This breakthrough has been seamlessly integrated into our proprietary skin-barrier technology, providing long-lasting protection against insects. Our blend of OLE, along with additional essentials, nutrients, and vitamins, has proven to be Amazon’s Top Choice for Organic Bug Repellent Spray for three years.