Safer insect repellents

Why be cautious about DEET?

DEET is an effective insect repellent, but it can also be toxic to the nervous system. Using DEET often over time can harm health, as can accidental exposure by breathing it in or contact with eyes and mouth.

Least toxic repellent for kids & adults

• Long pants and sleeves and mosquito netting are good bug repellants. It's also wise to wear light-colored clothing without floral prints.
• Avoid scented products. Soap, shampoo and lotions with fragrance can attract insects, including mosquitos.
• Soybean oil-based repellants work for 90 minutes on average. Bite Blocker is the brand tested in scientific studies; soybean oil is also used in Jason "Quit Bugging Me," Buzz Away Extreme and others.

Be careful with DEET and Picardin 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that for children over two months, bug spray with 10% or less of DEET can be used sparingly, no more than once a day, and only if you can keep it out of a child's hands, eyes, mouth and any scrapes or cuts. 

Picardin is a synthetic alternative that's newer than DEET and appears to be less irritating to sensitive adults. It is approved for use on children in concentrations under 10%, but should be used with caution.

What not to use on kids

Oil of lemon eucalyptus: Plants can be powerful! Oil of lemon eucalyptus, also called p-menthane diol or PMD, is not recommended for use on children under the age of three. It is an effective repellant for adults, found in Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, OFF! Botanicals  and others.

What doesn't work: Studies show that repellant-impregnated wristbands, bug zappers and ultrasonic devices do not work. Citronella can repel mosquitos for a short amount of time (about 20 minutes), but Health Canada suggests there's not enough data to say whether it's safe for use on the skin. 

How to ease the itch

Don't scratch! Scratching increases irritation. An ice cube can reduce inflammation and cut the urge to scratch. A paste of baking soda or toothpaste can be soothing. Some say that a dab of vinegar or rubbing with a freshly cut onion can ease the itch.

More information:

New England Journal of Medicine Comparative efficacy if insect repellants against mosquito bites. July, 2002.

Health Canada comparative efficacy of insect repellants. May, 2005

American Academy of Pediatrics: Follow safety precautions when using DEET on children.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: DEET health effects in humans.