Safe use of insect repellents

Topical insect repellents containing DEET are popular and have been shown to be effective. The concentration of DEET in a product reflects the period of time it’s expected to be effective.

Higher concentrations work longer. Studies in an Environmental Protection Agency database concluded that DEET repels ticks for about two to 10 hours, and mosquitoes from two to 12 hours depending on the percentage of DEET in the product.

Several other repellents are registered with EPA, including picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and 2-undecanone.

Not sure which is right for you? EPA has an online search tool that can help. 

Read and follow label directions for proper use of insect repellents.

And only use repellents on exposed skin and/or clothing – not under your clothing.

Here are some more “don’ts” from EPA:

• Don’t apply repellents near your eyes and mouth, and use only a little around your ears.
• Don’t spray directly into your face. Instead, spray on your hands and apply to your face.
• Don’t use spray repellents on cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
• Don’t spray in enclosed areas, inhale spray or spray near food.
• Don’t use the product near open flames if the label includes warnings about flammability.

Once you’re back inside, wash your skin and the clothes you were wearing.