As the number of reported West Nile virus cases continues to grow across the eastern United States, one way State College residents are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites is to use insect repellent.

The most effective repellents are those containing the chemical substance DEET, said extension entomologist Steven Jacobs.

"The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommend repellents with 10 to 35 percent DEET," he said, explaining that higher concentrations mean the effects of the repellent will last longer.

Stevens pointed out that it is important not to over-apply repellent and also suggested washing it off when it is not needed anymore.

"Let the mosquitoes tell you when you need to re-apply," he said.

For those worried about using DEET since it is a chemical, they can rest assured that it is safe, when used properly, he said.

"It's been in the market for over 40 years, and any problems with it have been very few and far between," he sgaid.

There are certain precautions that those using the sprays should take, however. They include being careful to keep the spray away from the eyes and mouth, and not to apply products with DEET too heavily.

After returning indoors, those wearing DEET should also wash it off as well as wash clothing that comes in contact with it.

Other products, such as Avon's Skin-So-Soft and repellents containing citronella may also keep the bugs away but are generally not as effective as DEET, Stevens said.

Shrive Cox, manager of Eckerd drug store, 1536 N. Atherton St., said insect repellent sales have increased in the past two months."We started stocking up about two months ago," he said.

Since then the store has seen a heightened demand for insect repellent, with a large spike in sales this past month in particular, Cox said.

"Our best-selling [repellent] is Eckerd's own store brand, because it has the DEET and it's less expensive than the name brand repellents," he said.

But despite reports of new West Nile cases, many students say that buying insect repellent is not among their top priorities.

"Most people dying of [West Nile virus] are either really young or really old, and I have a pretty healthy immune system so I'm not too worried," said Julie Lathia (sophomore-international business and finance). "But I did buy bug repellent when I went camping over the summer."

Other ways to avoid mosquito bites include covering up with more clothing to lessen exposed skin and staying inside at dusk and nighttime, when mosquitoes are most active, Stevens said.