By Elmer Gray
University of Georgia
In mosquito repellents, the longtime standard DEET
(N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is still the most effective. However,
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently added two
new active ingredients to their guidelines.
The CDC now accepts picaridin, or KBR 3023, and p-menthane
3,8-diol (PMD), or oil of lemon eucalyptus, as viable
alternatives for people who object to using DEET.
Both of these new active ingredients have been used in Europe and
Australia for a few years. It should be noted that oil of lemon
eucalyptus should not be used on children under age 3.
A word of caution about “natural” products: Often they’re based
on oils distilled and concentrated from plants. Usually these
oils have evolved to help defend a plant from insect feeding.
When they’re concentrated and refined, they can be toxic and
irritating. As a result, “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.”
Safe for kids
Both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics say
repellents containing 10-percent and 30-percent DEET appear to be
equally safe for children over 2 months old.
Parents should use lower concentrations on children if possible.
At 10 percent, DEET is typically effective for 2 hours. At 30
percent, it’s effective about 5 hours. Use higher concentrations
(up to 30 percent for children) only when extended exposures are
expected.
As with any repellent or insecticide, though, it’s critical to
read the label and apply only as directed. The most important
aspect concerning children and repellents is for adults to apply
whatever is used.
When applying repellents in general, apply them only to parts of
the body that are exposed to mosquitoes. Don’t apply any
repellent to skin that will be covered by clothing. Don’t apply a
repellent to sunburned, irritated, cut or abraded skin, either,
or to the mouth or eyes.
Be careful
When applying repellent to your face, put it on your hands and
then rub it over your face. Use this technique on children in
general. And after leaving the mosquito-infested area, wash all
treated skin with warm, soapy water.
The risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying a disease of any
type is extremely small. But never underestimate the dangers of
mosquito-borne diseases. Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
is extremely serious and debilitating, no matter what version you
get (West Nile virus, Eastern Equine, LaCrosse).
The best ways to limit exposure to mosquito populations are:
- Wear light-colored, protective clothes.
- Keep screens repaired.
- Wear insect repellents when exposed to mosquitoes.
Eliminating all standing water around your home and
neighborhood can greatly reduce the number of mosquitoes, too.
Using common sense, minimizing your exposure to mosquitoes,
eliminating standing water and following label directions on
repellents can help you have a safe and enjoyable summer.
(Elmer Gray is an Extension Service entomologist for the
University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences.)
