Is DEET safe for children or infants?

Insect repellents like DEET are safe for children and infants older than 2 months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (APP), although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says there is no age restriction in children. When in doubt, ask your child’s doctor.

DEET, or N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide, has the best documented repellent effectiveness. DEET is active against mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, fleas, and some flies. It does not repel stinging insects like bee​s, hornets, and wasps.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that insect repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET (look for the ingredient N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide on the spray bottle) when used in children. Higher concentrations will last longer, for example, 10% DEET provides protection for about 2 hours, and 30% DEET protects for about 5 hours. Choose the lowest concentration that will be effective based on the amount of time your child will be outside.

DEET concentrations range from 5% to 99%, but concentrations greater than 30% have not been shown to be more effective.

No serious illness has been linked to the use of DEET in children when used according to manufacturer’s recommendations. However, once inside the house, it is best to wash repellent off with soap and water.

Do not allow children under 10 years of age to apply insect repellent to themselves. Don’t spray it near the eyes or mouth. Always help your child to keep them from ingesting it or getting it into their eyes. Avoid prolonged, excessive use or internal consumption (swallowing) of DEET, as injury may occur.

How do I apply insect repellent on a child?

Parents should choose a repellent based on the amount of outdoor time, mosquito exposure, and risk of mosquito-transmitted disease in the area.

Important points to remember:

• Help children under 10 years of age apply insect repellent
• Apply repellent to your own hands, then rub onto the child
• Avoid the child's eyes, mouth, and use sparingly around ears
• Avoid open wounds or irritated skin
• Do not apply repellent under clothing.
• Wash treated clothing after coming inside. DEET may stain clothing.
• Wash the treated skin when you have returned indoors
• Keep repellents out of reach of children and pets.

Serious side effects to insect repellents are extremely rare if the product is used as directed. Follow the application directions on the bottle.

Skin reactions due to allergy and eye irritation are the most common reactions. If you suspect you or your child is having a skin reaction, do this:

• stop use of the product
• wash the area with soap and water
• call 911 or contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222
• if the repellent gets into your eyes, flush your eyes with water immediately and contact 911 or the Poison Control Center.

Are there any natural insect repellents?

OLE, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (p-menthane 3, 8-diol) is a plant-based repellent and is registered with the EPA. It is a DEET-free formula that repels mosquitoes, including those that may carry the West Nile virus. DO not use this product in children under 3 years of age.

OLE products include products such as Off! Botanicals, Repel Lemon Eucalyptus and Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus. However, some consumers complain of the OLE odor.

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), OLE products with 8% to 10% concentration of oil of lemon eucalyptus protect for up to 2 hours, and products containing 30% to 40% oil of lemon eucalyptus provide 6 hours of protection.
• OLE (and para-menthane-diol or PMD) should NOT be used in children under 3 years of age.
• "Pure” oil of lemon eucalyptus (essential oil) is not recommended. It has not been tested by EPA for safety and effectiveness.

When OLE was compared to DEET for effectiveness against mosquitoes found in the U.S., OLE provided similar protection to lower concentrations of DEET. In studies evaluating malaria, OLE provides 6 hours of protection against mosquitoes.

This is not all the information you need to know about DEET or insect repellents for safe and effective use in adults or children and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor, pediatrician or other health care provider.