Even with summer winding down, chiggers, ticks and other vermin are still out applying their trade of mayhem and injury.

The effects can range from mild momentary itching bumps to severe swelling, fever, inability to breath to even death. Yes, the records show approximately 100+ folks die each year from insect bites. Because of the annoyance and in some cases life threatening effects of these bites and stings folks are turning to fight them off with their insect repellant of choice.

It is best to avoid being stung or bitten in the first place. But if you unfortunate enough to become their target or their lunch, as the case may be, brush the stinger off. Do not squeeze it. If it is a tick, put a dab of dish soap on a cotton ball and hold it over the tick for a few second. When you lift the cotton ball off the tick will usually come with it. If it is a chigger bite, well, the little biter is long gone so you get to go scratch.

The form of war chosen most often is some topically applied commercial insect repellant. The active ingredient in most is a chemical called DEET. The various products have various amounts of DEET by volume from a few percent to 100%.

While millions of dollars are spent annually extolling the virtues of these various repellants, not one will tell you of the potentially devastating side effects of DEET.

WARNING!!! Do NOT use DEET for a Chigger repellent!

The findings recent research and not so recent research on DEET should be enough to make you squirm. Duke University revealed that DEET is responsible for behavioral changes and even brain cell death with frequent use. Prolonged continuous exposure of DEET to children and the aged is DANGEROUS. If it is dangerous to them, maybe is also dangerous to middle aged men and women also.

The human skin is the largest organ of the body. It is also the most exposed. The skin is like a sponge, ready, willing and able to absorb any absorb-able substance put on it.

Chigger Bites are a small price to pay compared to the side effects of DEET.

Side effects from DEET can and does cause headaches, fatigue, weakness, joint and muscle pain, shortness of breath, tremors, memory loss and seizures. However, some or all of these may not become evident for months or even years later after exposure. It would appear the insects are not the only thing that should avoid DEET like the plague.

Do not apply DEET directly to the skin and especially do not apply it to the skin of children. Preferably find a natural insect repellent and be safe. Protect your children from these horrible side effects. You are old enough to choose for yourself, Please do not choose to expose the helpless and innocent to the ravages of DEET.

Get more poop on chiggers and how to treat chigger bites and avoid them here.