Here's an article about a subject that no one in tourism
really wants to talk about - BUGS or mosquitoes and black flies
Some people don't venture outside of the city for fear of
getting bitten by black flies or mosquitoes. >>> They are missing out on a lot of
fun!
We tried using a yard mosquito trap that uses carbon
dioxide, but found that it wasn't very effective. It was more psychological
than anything. Instead, there are bug nets on many of the cottage decks for
people to sit out under or enjoy the hot tub, at night.
Although there are many opinions, we don't think that
chemical fogging to kill all the insects is the correct solution. Birds and fish
would lose a food source. Plants would lose a pollinator. Both could become sick
and die too.
In the last year or so, there have been remarkable
improvements in repellants that are easy on your body and easy on the
environment.
Gord has used the Insect Defend patch which is vitamin B1
distributed through your skin. (no DEET) We give them away to our Beauview
guests. Some have had great results where they have received no bites. Others
don't like the musky smell. You can wear it when swimming or bathing. It
doesn't come off easily.
The Off! Clip on is something we will try this year. We
like it because you don't have to spray anything on your body or clothing. It
goes wherever you go. And it can be turned on and off unlike the patch where
once its on - its on - for 24 hours!
Consumer Reports (U.S.) doesn't think too much of the
Off! Clip on product after testing it.
Another product, we are going to try is the Bug
BAM wristband, which gives 100 hours of protection. (when you aren't using it, it goes in a bag. So it lasts a lot longer as opposed to the patch which works round the clock whether you need it or not)
All Bug Bam products use a 100% natural, food-grade formula and
materials.
All repelling products are non-toxic, waterproof, sweat-proof and tested to
repel for up to 100 hours.
All repelling products are non-irritant and safe to use on children of all
ages.
We have a family that comes each year and uses this type of product for both adults and children.
From
U.S. Consumer Reports: Six repellents protected against deer ticks and two
common types of mosquitoes for 7 hours or more. Four of those contain deet in
varying levels. The Environmental Protection Agency judges deet safe when used
as directed, but it has caused rare toxic reactions when misused. It shouldn't
be applied to infants less than 2 months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics
advises against using repellents with deet concentrations higher than 30 percent
on any children. We think that no one needs a repellent with more than 30
percent deet.
The active ingredient in Repel is oil
of lemon eucalyptus. (It's not recommended for children under 3.) Almost as
effective was Natrapel, which protects with picaridin, a chemical newer than
deet.
Insect Repellent for Children:
There are several ways to avoid insect bites:
- Wear light-coloured, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors.
- Avoid places where mosquitoes breed and live, like standing water.
- Stay inside when mosquitoes are most active: dawn, dusk, evening.
- Use insect repellents.
What works best for you?
Beauview Cottage Resort, Huntsville, Ontario, Canada http://www.beauview.com 800-363-6047
