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Insect Repellent

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Insect repellents can help keep mosquitoes, ticks, flies and other insects from biting. This is important because many of these insects can transmit diseases. However, if insect repellent is used incorrectly, it could be dangerous.

There are many different types of insect repellents available. DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus are some of the common insect repellents. Repellents work to impair an insect’s ability to smell and taste, which prevents it from finding a host. Repellents can come as sprays, wipes or lotions. The concentration of repellents and level of physical activity will also affect how long the repellents are effective. They can be applied to human skin, and some can be used on clothing.

All chemicals, including insect repellents, have some degree of toxicity. However, the toxicity can vary by product and by route of exposure (eating, breathing, touching). Most are low in toxicity when used on the skin and in the appropriate amount. Symptoms may include:

  • Skin or eye irritation
  • Coughing and respiratory irritation
  • Nausea, stomach upset or vomiting

Rare, more serious symptoms may include:

  • Neurological effects
  • Eye damage (through use of oil of lemon eucalyptus)
  • Always read the product label before use and follow the directions. Repellents have been tested and designed for use in certain ways. Only use repellents in ways that are described on the label.
  • Apply just enough of a repellent to cover exposed skin. Avoid over-applying repellents. Follow label directions to find out how long to wait before reapplying.
  • Do not use repellents under clothing.
  • Do not apply on open cuts, wounds, rashes or irritated or sunburned skin. Discontinue use if the repellent causes irritation.
  • Do not spray repellents on the face, in ears, or near the eyes or mouth. To apply repellent to the face, first apply it to your hands and then rub it onto your face.
  • Take a bath or shower after use.
  • Some clothing comes pre-treated with an insecticide known as permethrin. The treated clothing remains protective against bites after multiple washings as well. Products containing permethrin can be safe to use on clothing but should not be applied directly on the skin.

Can Insect Repellents Be Used on Children?

Children may be more likely to mishandle a bottle or lick treated skin, increasing their risks. Check the product label to see if there is a minimum age for use.

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend insect repellents for children younger than 2 months.
  • The AAP recommends that products applied to children should not have more than 30% DEET.
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus products should only be used on children older than 3 years.

Safety Tips for Children

  • Do not use any insect repellent on children under the age of 2 months. Use clothing or mosquito netting to protect infants less than 2 months old from biting insects.
  • Do not let children handle or apply repellents.
  • When using repellent on a child, apply to your own hands and then rub the repellent on the child.
  • To apply repellent to a child's face, first spray it on your hands and carefully rub it on their face, applying lightly around the ears. Avoid applying repellents around a child's eyes and mouth.
  • Do not apply repellents to children's hands because they tend to put them in their mouths.
  • Wash treated skin as soon as a child returns indoors.
  • Keep insect repellent locked up, out of the reach and sight of children.

Call the 24-Hour Poison Help Line for Additional Support:

800-222-1222

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Insect Repellent
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