Insect Repellant

morls (Stephen) · #1 31-01-2011, 09:06 AM

Hi,

I'm just wondering if someone could clarify for me the do's and don't with spray-on repellant? At the moment I'm using aeroguard tropical strength, and spraying on well away from my gear, so there is no chance of spray residue going anywhere near my optics. Is this enough care to take? I'd hate to damage my optics, especially now that I've spent a bit of money on a premium e.p. Would the repellant on my face or hands be a problem?

If it's a case of never use spray-on just to be safe, then so be it....

Thanks

Stephen

gary · #2 31-01-2011, 11:34 AM

Hi Stephen,

Please see this current thread regarding repellents such as Tropical
Strength Aerogard which contain DEET as the active ingredient.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...77&postcount=2

DEET will damage some plastics and some rubbers, so one needs to be
very careful in not getting it on eyepiece cups, keyboards, etc.

Best Regards

Gary

astronut (John) · #3 31-01-2011, 11:42 AM

Stephen,
You're already approaching it the right way.
Be careful not to place insect repellant too close to the eye....
1. It will irritate the eye.
2. Transference onto the eyepiece could cause coating damage.

Once you've applied the repellant, wipe your hands so that you don't contaminate your equipment.

morls (Stephen) · #4 31-01-2011, 03:04 PM

Thanks for the replies. Just want to be very sure around my, and other peoples', gear.

pgc hunter · #5 31-01-2011, 10:18 PM

If using a spray, keep in mind that wind might blow it in a direction you did not intend it to go, so if in the observing field use it downwind of any optical gear.

barx1963 (Malcolm) · #6 31-01-2011, 10:19 PM

I only use roll on, and wipe my hands sfterwards

Malcolm

erick (Eric) · #7 31-01-2011, 10:29 PM

ditto here - roll-on only. Except maybe back in my accommodation where I might spray over external clothing.

I note that Snake Valley Camp has a "no spray of any kind on the observing field" this camp.

morls (Stephen) · #8 02-02-2011, 09:33 AM

I would have thought you'd get much more on your hands using roll-on?

erick (Eric) · #9 02-02-2011, 12:50 PM

I can use a roll-on to coat the backs of my hands and down the outside of each finger and get none on my palms or fingertips. I cannot achieve the same with a spray. Same with face - easy to roll-on and not get it close to your eyes where it might contact an eyepiece.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #10 02-02-2011, 01:43 PM

ALL Aerosols are TOTALLY banned on or near the observing field at all Snake Valley Astronomy Camps.
Has been that way for a few years now.

This was brought about because some Aerogard was carried by a breeze onto an attendee's Takahashi telescope. The chemicals had eaten into the optics coating.
Shipped off to Japan and $5000 later the scope was repaired!

It is a good idea NOT to use aerosols ANYWHERE NEAR your gear.
Roll-on obviously can be used near your gear. Just be careful around eyes and fingers.

morls (Stephen) · #11 02-02-2011, 02:16 PM

I think the can of aeroguard tropical strength I have is better off going to a non-telescope home....roll-on it is!

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #12 02-02-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morls

I think the can of aeroguard tropical strength I have is better off going to a non-telescope home....roll-on it is!

You can still use it.

Just go inside the house or a looooong way from your gear and put it on.