Repel bugs, avoid DEET

By Kathy Van Mullekom,Daily Press (Newport News, Va.)

Summer brings a barrage of unwanted pests to spoil outdoor fun. Here’s how to deal with their arrival:

Bite me not more

If you want to avoid DEET-enhanced insect repellent swirling around your face or swabbing your skin, there’s a new plant-based insect repellent called Natrapel Plus with Geraniol by Tender Corp.

Geranoil contains compounds found in lemongrass and helps repel insects such as mosquitoes, black flies, no-see-ums and ticks, according to the company. The repellent also contains aloe vera to moisturize skin. Use the repellent on adults, as well as children ages two and older. The product is available in an environmentally friendly can spray, pump spray and lotion for $4.79 to $5.99.

In addition, Tender Corp. makes After-Bite products to take the sting and itch out of bites once you’ve gotten them. Regular After Bite contains ammonia hydroxide and a natural oil solution packaged in a pen-like vial or individually wrapped towelettes. There’s also After Bite Kids with a non-stinging formula.

After Bite Xtra adds baking soda and tea tree oil in a soothing gel formula to tackle stings by bees, fire ants, hornets and jelly fish. $3.49-$3.99. Available at stores such as Wal-Mart, Target and independent drug outlets. Visit www.tendercorp.com.

Snag biting bugs

You’re all set to enjoy lunch on your pretty patio when wasps discover your food and decide to crash your party. To control wasps and yellow jackets that become pests in the summer when foraging for food, try the Garden Solutions Wasp Trap from Gardens Alive!

The trap comes with a jar base, cover with two funnel-shaped openings, 8-ounce bottle of lure concentrate (also available separately for refills), wick and ventilated cap. It works to attract and trap stinging pests. It’s $12.95 and available at www.GardensAlive.com or call (513) 354-1482.

Sources: product press releases, Web sites and personal experience.