With Lyme Disease and West Nile encepalitis making headlines, it just isn't wise to enjoy nature without using an insect repellent. While synthetic repellents like DEET (N,N diethuyl-m-toluamide) - found in Off!, Cuter and most mainstream insect repellents -- are highly effective against mosquitoes and ticks, that protection comes at a price: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DEET has been associated with such adverse reactions as rashes, muscle spasms, seizures and even death. Other reports link DEET poisoning to psychological effects such as delusion of grandeur, disorientation and agitation. Up to 56 percent of the DEET applied topically penetrates the human skin and up to 17 percent is absorbed inot the bloodstream. Children are especially susceptible to DEET poisoning because of their higher surface-area to body-mass ratio.

What about Avon's Skin-So-Soft? According to a review article in the Annals of Internal Medicine (June 1998), this product provides protection against insects for a minimal amount of time - 30 to 40 minutes per application. Researchers attribure Skin-So-Soft's bug-repelling power to chemicals such as diisopropyl adipage ad benzophenone.

Permethrin, an insecticide that's popular among camping enthusiasts, is a synthetic copycat of pyrethrum, which is derived from the crushed and dried flowers of the chrysanthemum plant. It kills ticks and mosquitoes on contact, is shown to be safe for humans when used properly and is reported to last for up to two weeks. however, permethrin should never be appled directly to skin. instead, spray clothing while outdoors and allow to dry for two to four hours before making contact with the fabric.

There are a number of healthy alternatives available that combine the wisdom of time with the certainty of modern science. Below is a rundown of natural and safe ingredients that will help keep the bugs away this summer without compromising your health.

Bug-Away Botanicals

• Citronella: One of the most effective natural insect repellents is citronella oil, derived from a tropical grass. The scent, which you probably associate with outdoor summer parties, is best known for its use in insect-repelling candles. But you'lll also find it in sprays and lotions that you can apply to your skin. Slather on and reapply often for best results.
• Lavender: You're probably familiar with the widely reported calming and sleep-inducing qualities of lavender. But did you know this sweet-smelling purple plant is a major turnoff for to pesky bugs? Essentiallavender oil has been used around the world for centuries as an insect repellent.
• Patchouli: Used by indian craftsmen to keep wool moths out of shawls and rugs, patchouli oil has often been found in natural bug repellents. (Beware: Side effects may include Grateful Dead show flashbacks.)
• Pennyroyal: Repels insects and fleas
• Burts Bees Lemongrass Insect Lotion
• Green Ban Herbal Insect Repellent
• Green Ban Herbal Insect Repellent - Double Strength