Insect Repellent

The CDC has reaffirmed its recommendation for DEET, calling it a highly effective repellent option.  The CDC has also recommended two new products as mosquito repellents, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.  Picaridin is the ingredient used in Cutter Advanced Insect Repellent and oil of lemon eucalyptus is a natural ingredient found in various lotions and sprays.  Both Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus provide protection for 1-2 hours. 

The current CDC and AAP recommendation for children over 2 months of age is to use 30 percent DEET.  DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.

The concentration of DEET in products may range from less than 10 percent to over 30 percent. Ten percent DEET only protects for about 30 minutes – inadequate for most outings. Choose the concentration of DEET based on estimated time of exposure.  The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase.

Spraying the repellent onto the clothes rather than skin is safer.  Do not apply repellent to face and hands.  After coming indoors, wash the repellent off. 

Only apply insect repellent once per day.