What does insect repellant protect against?

• Repellant helps against biting insects:
  • This includes ticks, mosquitoes, spiders, biting flies, and chiggers.
  • It can repel ants by confusing them, but confused ants may still bite.
  • Insect repellants do repel, but do not kill insects.
• Repellant does not protect against stinging insects.

What insect repellants are safe and recommended?

• It is best to use a repellant registered by the Environmental Protection Agency
• The following are registered as safe and effective.  
• DEET  
  • Highly recommended  
  • The higher the concentration, the longer the protection:
    • 10% provides protection for approximately 2 hours.
    • 30% provides protection for approximately 5 hours.  
    • For children, it is recommended that you never apply higher than 30% concentration.
    • The highest concentration is 50%.  
    • Not be used for infants under 2 months old  
• Picaridin  
  • The higher the concentration, the longer the protection
    • 5% provides protection for up to 3 to 4 hours.
    • 20% can provide protection from 8 to 12 hours.
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus  
  • This repellant should only be used on children 3 years and older.  
  • Be sure that it has been approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
  • The higher the concentration, the longer the protection.
    • 8% to 10% protects for up to 2 hours
    • 30% protects for up to 6 hours. This is the maximum concentration.
• Natural Insect Repellants  
  • Examples include:  citronella, soybean oil, geranium, peppermint  
  • Are known to be safe.
  • They are not as effective as repellants noted above but may be effective for short periods of time.
  • Are not approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
  • May cause a rash or irritation when applied to skin. 

Insect Repellant Tips

• Always read and follow package directions.
• Any repellant might cause skin irritation or rashes.
  • To check for irritation: apply a small amount to a small section of skin. 24 hours later apply it again. If there is no reaction your child should be able to tolerate it on larger areas of skin.
• Apply as little as possible on exposed skin and over clothing.
  • Skin covered with clothing does not need application underneath.
• Sticks, lotions, and unpressurized sprays are the best options.
  • Spray in an open environment to avoid breathing it in.
  • Pressurized sprays have a higher risk of inhalation and are more likely to get in your child’s eyes.
• If your child is old enough to apply it themselves, be sure to supervise them.
• For application to the face, spray into an adult’s hand and then apply to child’s face, avoid using on the eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid using on your child’s hands as they may touch their eyes, mouth, or put their fingers in their mouth.
• Avoid spraying on irritated skin, or open wounds or cuts.
• As soon as you have returned indoors, use soap and water to wash the repellant off and wash the clothes prior to use again.
• Keep the repellant out of reach of small children.
• If your child does have a reaction, wash the repellant off your child immediately and call your child’s provider or poison control:  1-800-222-1222
  • Have the insect repellant nearby when you call to provide more information.  

When to call your child’s provider:

• You have further questions about repellants.
• Your child has developed a rash to a repellant.
• You have concerns about a reaction your child is having to a bite.
• You have specific travel exposure questions.
• You think your child needs to be seen.
• Call 9-1-1 if your child is having a life-threatening emergency  

This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org

Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 11/2023