Insect sprays – tips, hints and recommendations

Insects are an important part of our environment. Even mosquitoes, and moths have a much greater importance than you could generally think and they have made it under no circumstances the task of making life difficult for people. Nevertheless, they are not always desired and it is regularly asked the question how to get rid of the animals. In addition to various natural remedies that can displace insects with the help of the smell of essential oils, if they have not already firmly established somewhere, especially various insect sprays are an effective remedy. Insect sprays are as different as the substances contained in them. There are gentler remedies that can be applied to clothing and skin and those that kill every insect with the famous chemical club. Which means are the best choice depends on many factors and the pros and cons should be weighed before buying.

Insect repellent sprays

The gentler version of insect sprays is the one that is supposed to repel insects with relatively harmless ingredients. There are several substances available that have different effects. The most well-known ingredient is diethyltoluamide, abbreviated to DEET. The exact mechanism of action is not yet clear. One presumption was that DEET blocked the odor receptors of insects and therefore they can no longer perceive the substances in the human sweat that would otherwise guide them to the food source. However, recent research suggests that DEET may well be perceived. However, it is still unclear whether it actively repels insects or merely irritates them, which is why they do not find humans. The disadvantage of DEET is a certain toxicity, even to humans themselves. It irritates especially the eyes and the mucous membranes, in rare cases also the skin. The most extreme reaction was observed in epileptic seizures. In addition, the substance acts on the hormone balance and inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine. This causes sleep disturbances, has a negative effect on perception and leads to mood swings. Acetylcholine acts between nerves and muscles and serves to transmit signals. Although a comparable effect in insect repellent sprays was not observed, however, a known disease in which an excess of acetylcholine occurs is Parkinson’s disease. Another active substance is Icaridin. This substance is less well studied than DEET. However, previous findings speak for a much better mode of action. This is reflected in the range of insects that are prevented by Icaridin. Ticks also avoid people who have applied Icaridin. If you are not traveling to a holiday destination with large mosquito populations, Icaridin is definitely preferable to DEET. The last particularly effective ingredient is called p-menthan-3,8-diol, short PMD or citriodiol. Originally an ingredient of lemon eucalyptus, it is often produced synthetically. The substance is one of the most effective repellents besides DEET and Icaridin. However, since it is only used comparatively briefly, nothing is known about the mode of action and possible side effects.

The insect-killing sprays

In addition to sprays for self-protection, the market offers a variety of means for killing insects. The modes of action differ, but are toxic in any case – in large quantities for humans. Their use should be avoided as far as possible, since long-term consequences, such as those that occurred in DDT and are still having an effect today, are hardly foreseeable. A certain tolerance against insects, especially those that eat other insects, such as wasps and hornets, as well as spiders is certainly the better solution. At the same time, food sources in storage cabinets should be identified and eliminated and Insect screensbe used as an alternative.

Recommended insect repellent sprays

Stiftung Warentest published in June 2014 a comparison to insect repellent sprays, in which 21 funds were tested. It has been shown that only four remedies are rated „good“. The best remedies with DEET were Anti Brumm Forte and Nobite Skin Spray DEET 50%, with Icaridin Autan Protection Plus Spray and Ballistol Sting Free Mosquito Repellent, as well as Anti Brumm Naturel, Greensect Anti Insect Spray and Noskito Intensive Mosquito Repellent with PMD.