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Insect Repellents

The most effective insect repellents available contains DEET. (see below) Other products available and approved by Health Canada include: P-menthane 3,8 diol, soybean oil, citronella and lavender. All of these products must be used with due care.

How to Use Insect Repellents Safely

Read the label carefully before using insect repellents. Follow instructions on the label noting any restrictions that may apply to children and the amount of time the repellent will last. Reapply only as directed

Never apply a product called INSECTICIDE to your body

Apply the repellent sparingly to exposed skin and clothing. If biting does occur with a small amount applied, apply a little more

DEET can damage some synthetics like spandex, acetate, rayon and some natural materials such as leather thus it is wise to wear lightweight clothing made of cotton and apply the repellents on the clothing itself

Do not get in eyes, if product does get in eyes, flush with cool water

Do not use on sunburned, damaged, irritated, cut or wounded skin

Don’t spray near food

Use only in well ventilated areas, never in a tent

Wash skin with soap when repellent is no longer needed. Remember to wash any clothing in which repellents were sprayed before wearing it again

Keep insect repellent away from children

Supervise children when applying repellent

Never spray repellents directly onto the face. Instead spray on hands and then apply sparing amounts to the face avoiding the eyes and mouth

When applying to the face of children, do not put repellent on the hands of children as this can lead to repellent getting into eyes and mouth. Instead, the adult should spray a small amount onto their hands and apply sparingly to children avoiding the eyes and mouth

If you suspect that you are reacting to the repellent, wash area immediately with soap and contact your doctor. Take the product with you to the doctor’s office

If you are concerned about sensitivity to repellents, apply the repellent to a small area of your skin. After 24 hours observe for any possible reaction that may have occurred.

Products Approved by Health Canada

DEET provides excellent and long lasting protection. The DEET concentration (see below) will give you an estimate to the length of time the product protects against mosquitoes. DEET containing products are generally safe if instructions on the package are carefully followed. Do not use DEET on children under 6 months of age.

Other Approved Products Include:

P-menthane 3,8 diol. This product provides up to two hours protection; it cannot be used on children under three; can be applied twice daily

Soybean oil. Some insect repellents containing soybean oil have been registered; such products provide 1 to 3.5 hours of protection from mosquitoes

Citronella and lavender - check that products are registered and approved by Health Canada. Citronella can protect against mosquito bites for 30 min to two hours, lavender protects for about thirty minutes. These products cannot be used on infants and toddlers under age two. May be skin sensitizers and allergic reactions may occur

DEET Concentration

25% 5 hour protection
20% 4 hours
7% 2 hours
5% 1.5 hours

Purchase the product that best suits your lifestyle, activities and age.

Restrictions on using products containing DEET.

Infants less than 6 months: Do not use DEET, use mosquito nets or keep infants indoors before dawn and after dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Children 6 months - 2 years:. Use the least concentrated product (10% DEET or less) apply sparingly and not to be used on face or hands. Maximum one application per day. Avoid prolonged use.

Children 2 years to 12 years: Use least concentrated product (10% or less) Do not apply more than three times per day. Avoid prolonged use

Adults and children over 12: Products containing a concentration of DEET up to 30% can be used; Follow guidelines above. Do not use for prolonged period of time.

References:

City of Toronto. West Nile Virus. Fact Sheet. Spring. 2006. www.toronto.ca/health
Health Canada. Safety tips on using personal insect repellents. http:/www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/westnile/insect_repellents.html

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