Recommendations for Insect Repellents

The most effective insect repellents include DEET (diethyltoluamide). However, they must be used with caution.

On children under 6 months of age

Insect repellents containing DEET should not be used. The most effective preventions of mosquito bites are avoidance of the outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wearing long-sleeved cotton shirts and pants, and use of window screens and bed nets.

On children aged 6 months to 2 years

The use of 1 application per day may be considered in situations where a high risk of complications from insect bites exist.

On children between 2-12 years of age

Insect repellent may be applied no more than 3 times per day.

DEET can be absorbed across the skin into the bloodstream, and products with high concentrations can cause seizures or coma. Young children may also have reactions to DEET from licking it off the skin. To prevent harmful reactions, take the following precautions:

• Use DEET products formulated for children. These contain 10% less or less DEET. Even adults don’t need more than a 30% DEET concentration.
• Apply repellent mainly to clothing and shoes.
• To prevent contact with the mouth or eyes, don’t put any repellent on the face or hands.
• Don’t put any repellent on areas that are sunburned or have rashes, because the DEET is more easily absorbed in these areas.
• Warn older children who apply their own repellent that a total of three or four drops can protect the whole body.
• If repellent is put on the skin, wash it off after your child comes indoors.