Protection against Insects

PROTECTION FROM ARTHROPODS

Several diseases are caused by arthropods. This large family includes insects (mosquitos, flies, fleas, ticks, etc.), arachnids (spiders, scorpions, ticks, etc.), myriapodes (millipedes) and crustaceans.

On can generally avoid arthopod-born diseases by establishing a barrier between them and us, by keeping them away from us, or by destroying them. Prevention includes individual protection measures and environmental controls.

1. DESTRUCTION

Measures for people residing in the tropics: Evacuation and drying of swamps, keeping lawns cut short, installation of toilets, isolation of septic tanks, elimination of garbage odours, frequent cleaning of beds and floors.

2. BARRIERS

Simple measures such as keeping rooms shut from the outside and installing screens in doors and windows will stop insects from entering the home.

For the past few years, the World Health Organization has been promoting the use of mosquito nets around beds in order to reduce the frequency of nightime insect bites. This method is economical, simple and without side-effects.

The use of nets reduces the incidence of malaria by at least 50%; the addition of an insecticide (mosquito net impregnated with permethrine) increases the efficiency of the net by killing those insects that venture too close, and by repelling them; this also applys to roaches, scorpions, spiders and snakes. Permethine impregnated mosquito nets are not toxic.

Canadian Distributor: T.R.I.P.S. Health Products Inc. 1000, Chemin Ste-Foy, suite 14, Québec (Québec). Canada G1S 2L6 Telephone / Fax : 1-800-880-TRIP / 1-800-880-8747

3. INSECT REPELLANTS

a) DEET® (35 à 95 %).

Several products repel mosquitos temporarily, but only N,N-diéthyl-m-toluamide is recommended. A minimum concentration of 33% is required and can be applied directly on the skin and on clothing. The duration of the effect varies with the the concentration of DEET. However it is recommended to wait at least 4 hours between applications, regardless of the concentration applied. Children have already been poisoned by this product which is absorbed systemically through the skin. The association of DEET with a polymer that prevents trans-cutaneous absorption and therfore toxicity is available in certain countries (Ultrathon® in the USA).

b) INSECTICIDE FUMES, pyrethrinoides

Burning spirals such as RAID®. Useful in closed rooms, before retiring beneath a mosquito net. The smoke is not toxic for humans, even in a closed room, although it can be irritating for asthmatics.

Electric traps, traps impregnated with pyrethrinoides.

c) Permethrine

Veterinary product, commercialized under the name ECTIBAN®. One saturates material (clothes, mosquito nets) with it. Non-odourous, non-staining. Lasts for weeks, is water resistant, kills mosquitos on contact. Non-toxic even for children.