Bug spray and birds?

I haven't purchased a bird yet, but want some answers concerning bug sprays. Like OFF, or other bugs sprays that people apply to themselves. I spray my girls down outside on the porch when we go outside. We never spray it in the house, but it is on our clothes when we come back inside. Would it be safe to walk into the house with bug spray on our clothes and skin, even a hour or so of being outside?
I understand birds have a very sensitive respiratory systems. I just want to be aware of the little things that are harmful to them.

Welcome to the forums! Any kind of insecticide is extremely toxic to birds. Parrots are so sensitive that it's common practice among parrot owners to buy organic produce when possible and vigorously wash all produce before serving to our feathered kids. Many of us make our own perches from natural wood but not only do we check the safe wood list before choosing a tree we also make sure the tree has never been sprayed with insecticides, if we can't be sure we don't use the wood. If you use the spray outside, I would recommend a bath and clean clothes before entering a bird's air space.

http://www.parrotforums.com/general...friendly-warnings-keep-your-parrots-safe.html

I know it sounds like lots of rules but living with parrots has sweet rewards and it becomes second nature to protect them. Best of luck choosing a new addition.

There is very little to add to the above Post.

At first this may sound like a lot of bother - such a pain and extra work, just for a Bird! In fact whether you are gardening, cutting the grass or providing any number of lawn and garden products one needs to follow the same practice. The chemicals and the mass variation of germs that we expose ourselves to and carry into our homes is alarming!

Yes, there is the possibility of driving yourself nuts and becoming a clean freak. But, if the simple act of removing ones shoes when entering one's home can have huge effects on the general cleanliness of the home. Think what happens when one washes clothing and themselves from the lawn and garden.

Now regarding 'bug spray:' In general the carrier drys quickly, but also leaves a very thin coating on the skin and clothing, which at a micro level is 'sticky' to hold the active chemical(s) in place. That means that even if the active chemicals are no longer active, you will be carrying a ton of 'stuff' into your home that will smear off as you come in contact with near every surface in your home!

Products like OFF are wonderful at keeping us safe from the very dangerous things that those bugs are carrying. So, there are good reason for using them. There is also a need to remove these chemicals from us as soon as the need halts!

So, for our Parrot's Safety and as importantly, the safety of our kids, grand kids, and ourselves then are really needs of limiting exposure when not needed!.

Hope that this helps.

Glad I don't live in an area with ticks.
I would not want to go out doors without protection from the little buggers. But then have the possible danger to my FIDS from the Off, (or whatever product is used).
Mosquitos are the biggest threat where I live.
Of course they can carry west Nile that can kill the birds just by itself.

Thanks for all the replies. Can you please tell me of some bird safe mosquito repellent. Is skin so soft toxic to birds? My girls are like mosquito magnets. Thanks in advance