How to Effectively Repel Flies and Insects with an Insect Repellent Spray
Have you ever seen the native Americans fishing calmly by a river or lake and catching big fish, only for you to go there and be outnumbered by the swarms of black flies and mosquitoes before you even enter the fishing area? The interesting part is that these Americans don’t have much knowledge of specific products, but they know exactly how to make such products that keep flies and insects away. But you don’t have to make such products since they are already in the market, and one of them is the insect repellent spray.
What is an Insect Repellent Spray?
Though the definition of an insect repellent spray is self-explanatory, it is a type of repellent that you spray on yourself, your clothes, or the vicinity you are staying in to prevent flies, mosquitoes, and other insects from biting or landing on you. If made naturally and with proper ingredients, these are so effective that not a single fly or mosquito will land near you. They also prevent allergen insects, such as wasps, gnats, and certain types of mites or biting midges, from biting you, which is crucial for safety and health reasons.
How Repellent Sprays Work
Repellent sprays work such that they contain substances that alter our body’s properties externally. Most biting insects like mosquitoes, flies, and ticks find us by detecting the following three traits of our body:
- Carbon Dioxide we exhale
- Our body heat
- Skin odors like lactic acid or sweat compounds
Repellent sprays work by creating a protective barrier of scent chemicals on your skin, clothes, or surrounding area that disrupts this process without internally changing these properties, which can be hazardous to our health.
Components of an Insect Repellent Spray
Most of the insect repellents, whether good or bad, are generally made of the following components:
- Active Repellent Ingredients: Essential oils like cedar oil, dangerous synthetic oils like DEET, or natural extracts like pine tar
- Carrier Oils or Solvents: Castor oil, mineral oil, or petroleum distillates
- Fragrance Additives: Pine tar for scent and repellent power, or herbal oils for masking strong odors
- Stabilizers or Preservatives: To extend shelf life and maintain consistency
How to Effectively Apply an Insect Repellent Spray
Despite the high effectiveness of a repellent spray, there is a specific way in which you should apply it. It might still work if you don’t apply it in the recommended way, but by doing so, you are welcoming the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions, none of which you want to deal with. Therefore, here is how you should apply it:
Read the Label Carefully
Every product is designed differently, so always start by reading the product label for specific instructions, safety warnings, and recommended uses. This ensures you're using it correctly and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Apply to Exposed Skin
The main word here is “exposed,” so apply only to the areas that your clothes do not cover, like the neck and hands. Spray or rub the repellent evenly onto any exposed skin. Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like ankles, wrists, and behind the ears, where insects love to bite.
Different Applications for Your Face
Your facial skin is more sensitive and may have an adverse reaction, so avoid spraying directly onto your face. Instead, spray a small amount onto your hands and gently apply it to your cheeks, forehead, and neck, avoiding your eyes and mouth.
Apply to Clothing if Allowed
Some repellents are safe for clothes and can boost protection. Lightly spray on shirts, pants, hats, and socks if the label says it’s okay. Avoid soaking or spraying synthetic materials that may stain.
Avoid Over-Applying
More isn’t always better. Applying too much can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Use just enough to cover the skin in a thin, even layer.
Reapply as Needed
Repellents lose effectiveness over time or after sweating and swimming. Follow the label’s guidance on how often to reapply to stay protected throughout your activity.
Bonus Tip: Apply Over Sunscreen
If you’re using sunscreen, apply it first and let it absorb, then add the insect repellent on top. This layering ensures both products work as intended without interfering with each other.
How to Choose the Right Repellent Spray
The steps to apply a repellent spray correctly only work when you buy the right repellent spray. There are thousands of these products on the market, many of which are not only ineffective but also dangerous to your skin. To buy quality repellent sprays like Woodsman Fly Dope, follow these instructions:
- Check the ingredients and look out for harmful ones like DEET
- Look for effective and proven brands like Woodsman Fly Dope, that don’t contain DEET
- Read user reviews
- Pick formulas for your suitable case, like woods, camping, fishing, or general backyard use
- Check skin safety warnings
- Ensure the product is approved in your area for use against local pests
What Makes Woodsman Fly Dope So Effective
The Ole Time Woodsman Fly Dope has been in the market since 1882, and despite being the first ever commercial insect repellent and selling in the market for such a long time, it still continues to be the number one product in the market. Even businesses like ours, which manufacture their own animal-repellent products, recognize their effectiveness and sell them on their website. What makes Woodsman’s insect repellent truly unique are the following characteristics:
- Long-lasting protection
- Proven track record
- Works in harsh environments
- The right balance of natural and synthetic ingredients
- No need for fancy packaging
Stay Protected and Choose the Right Insect Repellent Today
Choosing the right insect repellent spray isn’t just about keeping the insects away when you are out in nature. It is about keeping you safe from harmful disease-causing insects, such as malaria mosquitoes, allergenic bugs, and contaminating flies. With so many options on the market, it pays off to choose a proven product like Woodsman Fly Dope from the right seller, which has stood the test of time, and the wrong sellers can sell you a counterfeit product. Therefore, choose responsibly and save yourself from trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is insect repellent safe for children and babies?
Yes, they are safe for babies over two months old, as long as you are applying the spray correctly.
Can I use insect repellent spray and sunscreen together?
Yes, but make sure the sunscreen absorbs properly into your skin, then apply
Why doesn’t my insect repellent spray work as advertised?
It could be because of two factors:
- You didn’t apply properly
- The product is not right for you
Will insect repellent spray damage my clothes or gear?
No, in fact, it is recommended, although you need to apply it carefully to your electronic gear.