Insect Repellent Use and Safety in Children

All insect repellents including those combination products with sunscreen should be used according to the labeled instructions. Insect repellents containing DEET should not be used in children under 2 months of age. Oil of eucalyptus products should not be used in children under 3 years of age. When applying insect repellents to children, avoid applying the repellent to their hands, around their eyes, or to any areas where there are cuts or irritated skin. When using combination products with DEET and sunscreen, it may be necessary to reapply a sunscreen but the combination product should not be reapplied because repeated application may increase the potential toxic effects. For other combination products with non-DEET insect repellent, for example IR3535, follow package directions as re-application of the combination product may be allowed depending upon the particular formulation. Apply repellents only to exposed skin. After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water, especially if using repellents repeatedly in a day or on consecutive days.

Information about insect repellents can be found at the following sites:

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates all pesticides and provides extensive information about insect repellents:
  
  

  • Environmental Protection Agency Home Page
    
  • Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus
    
  • How to Use Insect Repellents Safely
    
    

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information about mosquito repellents:
  
  

  • Insect Repellent Use and Safety
    
    
  • Updated Information Regarding Insect Repellents
    
    

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has information about the use of mosquito repellents in children:
  
  

  • Follow Safety Precautions When Using DEET on Children
    
  • DEET Alternatives Considered to be Effective Mosquito Repellents
    

• The Medical Letter contains an article on insect repellents:
  
  

  • Insect Repellents