HealthLinkBC File #96, January 2013

Insect Repellents and DEET

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• What is insect repellent?
• What is West Nile virus?
• What is DEET?
• Is DEET safe?
• Guidelines for using repellents with DEET
• Tips for proper use of insect repellents
• Non-DEET repellents

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What is insect repellent?

Insect repellent is a spray or liquid used to keep biting insects, such as mosquitoes, away from your skin and clothing. Some repellents are also helpful against ticks. Repellents work by discouraging insects from landing on and biting your skin.

Insect repellent should be used when you are outdoors to protect against insect bites, which can cause illnesses, including West Nile Virus (WNV). To protect against mosquito bites, the most effective insect repellents to use are those which contain the ingredient DEET.

For more information on tick bites, see HealthLinkBC File #01 Tick Bites and Diseases.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus, also known as WNV, is a disease usually spread between birds by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can become carriers of the virus after biting birds infected with the virus. It is possible for people, horses and other animals to become infected if they are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus.

For more information on West Nile Virus, see HealthLinkBC File #88 West Nile Virus.

What is DEET?

DEET is the common name for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide. DEET is the active ingredient in the most effective and widely used insect repellents. Different repellents have different amounts of DEET. Products with higher concentrations of DEET are not more effective, but they will last longer.

Is DEET safe?

Yes, products containing DEET are very safe when used according to the directions on the label. There is no evidence that DEET poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, however pregnant or breastfeeding women may wish to consider the use of non chemical methods as a first line of defense.

Guidelines for using repellents with DEET

• Infants less than 6 months of age. Do not use any repellents that contain DEET. Infants should be protected with mosquito netting tucked over baby carriers.
• Children 6 months to 2 years of age. When children 6 months to 2 years of age live or travel in an area at high risk of complications from mosquito-borne illnesses, 1 application per day of insect repellent containing DEET may be considered. Talk with your health care provider about using DEET in this age group if you are in or going to an area with WNV. Use an insect repellent with 10% or less DEET. The repellent should be applied sparingly and not be applied to the face and hands. Prolonged use should be avoided. The protection will last about 2-3 hours.
• Children 2 to 12 years of age. Use an insect repellent with 10% or less DEET. Do not apply more than 3 times per day. Do not apply to the face and hands. Prolonged use should be avoided. The protection will last about 2-3 hours.
• Adults and children older than 12 years. Use an insect repellent containing 30% or less DEET.
• If you plan to be outdoors for a short period of time, always choose a product with a lower concentration of DEET. For example:

Concentration of DEET	Protection Time
30%	6 hours
15%	5 hours
10%	3 hours
5%	2 hours

Protection times may be less than this if you are sweating, getting wet, or if the repellant is rubbed off your skin.

Tips for proper use of insect repellents

• Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors.
• Always read the entire label carefully before use. Follow all of the instructions on the label, including proper use for young children.
• Adults should apply repellent for children. Do not allow children to apply it themselves.
• Avoid applying repellent to children’s hands to reduce the chance of getting the repellent in their eyes and mouths.
• Apply the repellent only on exposed skin or on top of clothing. Do not use under clothing.
• Do not use aerosol or pump sprays directly on the face. Spray your hands and then rub the product over the face. Try to avoid getting it around your mouth or in your eyes. If you do get repellent in your eyes, flush well with water.
• Do not use the repellent on open wounds, cuts, or if your skin is irritated or sunburned.
• Avoid breathing in spray mists and never apply sprays inside a tent. Use only in well-ventilated areas.
• Do not use sprays or aerosol products near food.
• Wash treated skin with soap and water when you return indoors or when protection is no longer needed. Washing the repellent from the skin surface is important when a repellent is likely to be applied for several days in a row. If clothing is treated, it should be washed before being worn again.
• When using sunscreen, apply repellent 15 to 30 minutes after sunscreen. Products that combine sunscreen and repellent are not recommended. Sunscreen can be re-applied after repellent.
• If you suspect a reaction to the insect repellent, stop using it and wash the treated skin. Call the poison control center: in Greater Vancouver, call 604-682-5050; in B.C., call 1-800-567-8911.

Non-DEET repellents

There are effective insect repellents registered in Canada that contain active ingredients other than DEET. Instructions for proper use are listed on each product label.

Non-DEET products include repellents with p-menthane-3, 8-diol (PMD), also known as lemon-eucalyptus oil. This product has been shown to be as effective as DEET, but it only protects against mosquitoes for about 2 to 3 hours. Lemon-eucalyptus oil should not be used on children younger than 3 years old. It should not be applied more than twice a day.

Soybean oil products are also effective mosquito repellants, but these are not widely available in Canada. Products with the substance picaridin are also effective, but these are not available in Canada.

For a complete list of registered products, visit the Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/part/protect-proteger/use-utiliser/_mosquito-moustique/index-eng.php.

For more HealthLinkBC File topics, visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca/healthfiles/ or your local public health unit. Click on www.HealthLinkBC.ca or call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information and services in B.C. For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance, call 7-1-1 in B.C. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages on request.