Using Insect Repellents: A Guide for Parents

Follow these simple rules

• before use, read the label, check the level of DEET or picaridin, and use the repellent strictly as directed;
• choose roll-on products over sprays whenever you have the choice;
• apply a moderate amount to exposed skin;
• do not apply the product to cuts, wounds or irritated skin;
• do not apply repellent to the skin around the eyes or mouth (if it accidentally gets into the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water!);
• do not apply it to the palms or fingers of young children;
• once you are back home, wash the repellent off the skin with soap and water;
• store the repellent out of the reach of children;
• if you need to apply both sunscreen and repellent, apply the sunscreen first.

IMPORTANT: Products that combine sunscreen and repellent in one are not recommended by experts, because sunscreen usually needs to be reapplied, whereas repellent does not.

Types of repellent

1) Repellents containing DEET (diethyltoluamide)

Repellents containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) are widely used.

Effective against mosquitoes, flies, ticks and fleas.

Repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 10% prevent mosquito bites.

Repellents with a DEET concentration of 15–30% are used in areas with a higher risk of insect-borne infections (malaria, Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and dengue fever).

DEET is safe to apply to cotton, wool and nylon.

DEET can damage spandex, rayon, acetate or leather clothing.

DEET can dissolve plastic and vinyl (sunglass frames or watch straps).

2) Repellents containing picaridin

Picaridin is a newer repellent ingredient that is odourless and less sticky than DEET. It is more pleasant to use and does not dissolve plastic.

It is just as effective as DEET. However, its protection is shorter-lasting, so it needs to be reapplied more often.

Repellents with a picaridin concentration of 10% prevent insect bites in most cases.