These products are all intended for personal protective use. They are intended to be applied to exposed skin (not covered by clothing) or some are intended for use on clothing or personal items such as sleeping bags or other outdoor gear. They are intended to repel not kill insects and generally require reapplication after some period of time indicated on the label. DEET (di-ethyl-m-toluamide) containing products offer the best protection against mosquitoes. In addition, the following guidelines should be considered regarding DEET or other repellent use:
- The U.S. EPA has determined that when label instructions are followed, all concentrations of DEET repellents can be used by people of all ages. Generally, higher levels of DEET containing products offer longer, not necessarily better protection and therefore it may be preferable to use products containing ten percent DEET or less on children and apply more often.
- Only apply insect repellents to exposed skin (not under clothing) taking care to avoid the eyes and mouth.
- Always read the entire product label before using the repellent.
- Apply to clothing (natural fibers only and if product suggests this use) for added protection as directed on the product label.
- Apply repellent sparingly but completely
- Do not apply to the portions of children’s hands, which are likely to come into contact with their mouths.
- Do not allow children to apply personal skin protection products themselves.
- Cleanse skin with soap and water after returning indoors.
- Keep out of the reach of children, because like many chemicals, DEET can be toxic if ingested.
- A very small percentage of children and adults may be sensitive to chemicals such as DEET or even natural products like citronella. If there is a suspected reaction to an insect repellent, wash the area and seek medical attention.
- Consider applying repellent to clothing to reduce DEET absorption through the skin
- Avoid inhalation or ingestion of repellents, contact with eyes, wounds or irritated skin
Although DEET containing products are an effective repellent against mosquitoes, high concentrations can feel oily and can melt plastic, watch crystals and paint finishes and can damage some fabrics such as rayon, acetate and spandex. It is safe on nylon, cotton and wool. If you are uncertain, test repellents on an inside clothing to see if DEET damages them. Personal protection products made with citronella, an oil extract from lemon scented grass or from eucalyptus, are not as effective but may make an excellent safe alternative for very small children (under age two) and can be purchased virtually anywhere that sells mosquito repellent or personal protection products. Alternative products, which do not contain DEET, particularly natural products such as citronella, must be reapplied more frequently, and they tend to be less effective than DEET. Persons who may have mild skin sensitivity to DEET or other skin protection products, may want to consider the following:
- Clothing is an effective barrier to mosquitoes if the weather isn’t too hot. Tuck children’s socks over the pant leg for added protection. Encourage children to wear hats as they can help too.
- Netting and nylon: Keep small children in tents or screen houses, especially if the mosquitoes are really biting. Use netting appropriate for a stroller, child carrier, or port-a-crib.
- Natural Area Repellents like citronella candles while not as effective as personal protection products are a very safe way of helping to repel mosquitoes and are good for supplemental protection against mosquitoes when other protective measures are used.
