Insect Repellents

People should use insect repellents to protect themselves and their children while outdoors. The ideal repellent should be efficient against a large number of arthropods (insects), have long duration of effect, be nonirritating and nontoxic, acceptable cosmetically, cost effective, chemically stable, and should not damage or stain clothing.  Problem insects and results of stings and exposures to them vary widely across the United States.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends products should be applied to clothing and exposed skin only. To minimize inhalant exposure, spray formulations should be applied outdoors.  When children return indoors, their skin should be washed with soap and water and their clothing should be laundered before wearing again.  READ LABELS CAREFULLY  BEFORE USING ANY PRODUCT.  AAP product recommendations are below.

·         DEET - most widely used and data on safety and efficacy.  Effective against ticks, fleas, chiggers, mosquitoes, gnats, and some flies. Products containing no more than 30% DEET are recommended for children. Can damage clothing and plastics in high concentrations.

·         IR3535 - 7.5% not effective against mosquitoes. Many products also contain sunscreen that decreases the efficiency of the sunscreen.  Avoid products that contain both.

·         Picaridin - products containing no more than 10% picaridin for children.

·         Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus – not recommended for use in children under 3 years old.

·         Catmint, essential/botanical oils, and Citronella - inferior to DEET, picaridin or IR3535, data for use in children is limited.  Good safety profile, varying evidence of efficacy, last only for short periods. Higher concentrations can cause skin irritation.