They are also an important tool to help against mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus) and tick-borne diseases (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease).

Use insect repellent anytime you go outside, especially during prime mosquito biting hours, between dusk and dawn. Follow the label instructions, and if you start getting bitten re-apply repellent. Insect repellents come in many forms including aerosols, sprays, liquids, creams, and sticks. Some are made from chemicals and some have natural ingredients. Insect repellents are not recommended for children younger than 2 months.

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active ingredient found in many insect repellent products. It is safe to use in children over the age of 2 months, and is probably the most effective repellent. However, it does have a strong odor. The amount of DEET in insect repellents varies from product to product, so it's important to read the label of any product you buy. The amount of DEET may range from less than 10% to more than 30%.

Studies show that products with higher amounts of DEET protect people longer. For example, products with amounts around 10% may repel pests for about 2 hours, while products with amounts of about 24% last an average of 5 hours. But studies also show that products with amounts of DEET greater than 30% don't offer any extra protection. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children.

Picaridin-containing insect repellants were introduced to the U.S. market in 2005 as an effective alternative to DEET. It is nearly odorless. Products contain a range of 5 to 20 percent of the active ingredient.

Tips for Using Insect Repellents



• Read the product label and follow all directions.
• Never apply insect repellent to children younger than 2 months.
• Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing. Do not use repellents under clothing.
• Do not allow children to handle the product. When using on children, apply to your own hands first and then put it on the child. Do not apply to children's hands.
• Do not apply to eyes or mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using sprays, do not spray directly on face — spray on hands first and then apply to face.
• Never use repellents over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
• Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Heavy application and saturation generally are unnecessary for effectiveness.
• Avoid reapplying unless necessary. If biting insects do not respond to a thin film of repellent, then apply a bit more.
• Spray repellents in open areas to avoid breathing them in.
• Don't buy products that combine DEET with sunscreen. The DEET may make the sun protection factor (SPF) less effective. These products can overexpose your child to DEET because the sunscreen needs to be reapplied often.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or bathe. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly in a day or on consecutive days. Also, wash treated clothing before wearing it again. (This precaution may vary with different repellents — check the product label.)
• If a child develops a rash or other apparent allergic reaction from an insect repellent, stop using the repellent, wash it off with mild soap and water and call a local poison control center for further guidance.

Last Updated
5/12/2013

Source
West Nile Virus – Updated Information Regarding Insect Repellents (2009, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)