Using Mosquito Repellent

*For more than thirty years, DEET has been the standard in mosquito repellents.*

Products containing DEET currently are available to the public in a variety of liquids, lotions, sprays, and impregnated materials.  DEET is designed for direct application to human skin to repel insects, rather than kill them.  DEET is approved for use on children over two months old.  There is no restriction on the percentage of DEET in the product for use on children however, under 30% active ingredient (DEET) is recommended for both adults and children.  Consumers are always advised to read and follow label directions in using any pesticide product, including insect repellents.

Six insect repellents earn recommendations from Consumer Reports to read click:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/07/AR2010060703247.html

HOW TO USE DEET PRODUCTS SAFELY

• Read and follow all directions and precautions on the label.
• Do not apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Do not apply to hands or near eyes and mouth of young children.
• Do not allow young children to apply this product. 
• Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. 
• Do not use under clothing.
• Avoid over-application of these products.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
• Wash treated clothing before wearing again.
• Use of this product may cause skin reactions in rare cases.  
• Do not spray in enclosed areas.
• To apply to face, spray on hands first and then rub on face.  Do not spray directly onto the face.

** If you suspect that you or your child is having an adverse reaction to this product, discontinue use of the product, wash treated skin, and call your local poison control center or physician for help.  If you go to the doctor, take the repellent container with you.

ALTERNATIVES TO “DEET”

Picaridin is a truly effective alternative to DEET that provides long lasting protection.  Developed to be more pleasant to use, it is odorless, with a light, clean feel.  Picaridin is scientifically formulated for everyone in the family.

Citronella is very strong smelling oil that is derived from a lemon-scented grass.  More importantly, most people agree that citronella doesn’t work to naturally control mosquitoes.  A 2002 study by the University of North Carolina and the University of Florida, found that products containing citronella provided barely 19 minutes of protection.  People are still bit when they wear citronella.

Eucalyptus Oil though it smells better than citronella, most people don’t find eucalyptus oil more effective than citronella oil.  Some people think that eucalyptus actually attracts insects.  Also, don’t get it on your clothing; eucalyptus oil stains.