Insect Repellents

You can lower your chance of being bitten by an insect or a tick by using insect repellents. Mosquito bites can spread infections such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and malaria in some parts of the world. Tick bites can cause serious diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Bites from biting flies are painful and may cause a skin infection.

Types of insect repellents

You can buy many different kinds of insect repellents. Some work better than others. Look for repellents that have been approved by agencies that test the safety of the products. These agencies include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It's important to read and follow all instructions on the label.

How well a repellent works depends on the strength of the ingredients and whether it's used as directed. Some repellents have cautions about use on children.

Products that work the best

• DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-meta-toluamide). This is the most effective insect repellent. Repellents with 10% to 24% DEET should keep most mosquitoes away from your skin. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other experts suggest that it's safe to apply DEET in strengths of 10% to 30% to children older than age 2 months. DEET should also be used carefully on clothing.
• Picaridin. Picaridin is a repellent that may work as well as DEET in repelling insects. Picaridin is odorless and does not feel sticky or greasy. It is less likely to cause skin irritation than DEET. And it does not damage synthetic fabrics or plastics. The AAP does not recommend the use of Picaridin on children younger than age 2 months.
• Permethrin. This is a repellent that you spray on clothing and other fabrics, such as mosquito netting and tent walls. Permethrin should not be applied directly to the skin. Permethrin keeps working even after you wash your clothes. You can buy clothes that already contain permethrin (such as BugsAway, Bug Shield, or Buzz Off) to help protect against mosquito bites.
• P-menthane-3,8-diol. This product is commonly known as lemon eucalyptus oil. Oil of lemon eucalyptus provides protection similar to repellents with low strengths of DEET. Do not use this product on children younger than 3 years.
• Soybean oil. Insect repellents that contain 2% soybean oil provide protection from mosquitoes when applied to the skin.
• IR3535. This repellent is made of a chemical related to substances found in nature. Tests have shown that it is effective against mosquitos and biting flies.

Products that don't protect against bites for long periods of time

• Citronella. This is a lemon-scented oil, derived from a plant, that repels mosquitoes. It is not as effective or as long-lasting as DEET.
• Other plant oils. Plant oils such as lavender and geranium provide less protection against mosquitoes.

Products sold as repellents that may not work well to prevent bites

• Mosquito traps
• Geranium house plants
• Citronella candles
• Electronic (sometimes called ultrasonic) devices
• Electrocuting devices, which are often called "bug zappers"
• Wrist, ankle, and neck bands that contain repellents, such as DEET or citronella

How to use repellents safely

Read and follow all instructions on the label. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends the following precautions for using insect repellents.

To use repellents safely:

• Apply repellents only to exposed skin or clothing as directed on the product label. Do not use under clothing.
• When using sprays, do not spray directly into your face. Spray on your hand first, and then apply to your face.
  • When using a repellent on your child, apply it to your hands and then put it on the child. Do not apply the repellent to your child's hands.
• Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Heavy application and saturation generally isn't necessary for effectiveness. If biting insects don't respond to a thin film, apply a bit more.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water and then bathe. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly in a day or several days in a row. Also, wash treated clothing before you wear it again.
• If you think you or your child may be having a reaction to an insect repellent, stop using the repellent, wash treated skin, and call your doctor or local poison control center. If you see your doctor, take the repellent with you.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using repellents.

To avoid a harmful reaction:

• Never apply a repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Do not apply to the eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around the ears.
• Do not allow your child to handle the product.
• Do not spray in enclosed areas, such as inside a car.
• Avoid breathing a repellent spray.
• Do not use a repellent near food.