Applying repellents correctly is uncomfortable, messy, time consuming, expensive, and if not done correctly, can result in health issues. Prepare yourself for lots of frowns and complaints.
Before reading this posting, you may want to go to our previous one of this two part series: Can you outsmart mosquitoes? Your kids health depends on it. Please see: http://kidstraveldoc.com/can-you-outsmart-insects-your-kids-health-depends-on-it/
1. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends only repellents containing one of the following active ingredients:
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as Icaridin outside the US.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD. Note: “pure” oil of lemon eucalyptus is NOT recommended. It has not undergone validated testing for safety and efficacy.
- IR3535.
- Para-menthane-diol. These products provide longer-lasting protection.
No repellent bears the name of these ingredients. You must search for the name on the label, says the US Centers of Disease Control.
2. These repellents have been scientifically tested. They are safe for young children when used correctly and are effective against a wide variety of biting insects, including most disease-causing species of mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and chiggers. They are not effective against bees, wasps and hornets, for example.
3. Little is known about the safety and effectiveness of the hundreds of products on the market that do not contain the above ingredients. In the US and in many other countries repellents are not government-regulated. Anyone can concoct a product and call it an insect repellent. Few are tested for safety and effectiveness.
4. And don’t be fooled by terms such as “natural” and “chemical free” on repellents. While they sound child-friendly, in fact, the terms are virtually meaningless. All substances are chemicals. There are good chemicals and bad chemicals. Oil of lemon eucalyptus, for example, is “natural.” However, this doesn’t make it safer/better than repellents formulated in laboratories. (Poison ivy and deadly mushrooms are 100% natural.)
5. Check the lower age limitations and recommended concentrations of approved repellents. DEET, for example, should not be used on infants less than two months of age; oil of lemon eucalyptus, not on infants under 3 years. The skin of young children is especially permeable. DEET is the only CDC-approved repellent that comes in various concentrations; for children, use ones that contain between 20 and 30% DEET.
6. Apply repellants correctly. Place the substance on your hands and then rub it on your child’s skin. A thin coat suffices; a thicker coat does not increase protection. No need to place it under clothing; long pants and sleeves reduce the amount of repellent needed. Wash off when no longer needed. Avoid eyes, mouth, wounds or rashes. If accidentally applied to such areas, rinse with soap and water. Apply outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor areas.
7. Use permethrin on clothing. Permethrin helps prevent insects from crawling under or biting through clothing. Once correctly applied, permethrin remains effective on clothing through many washings. Permethrin can also be sprayed on camping gear such as tents.
8. Avoid products that combine repellents and sunscreens. While many situations call for both, the intervals of applications, for example, make combination products impractical. Generally, apply the sunscreen at least twenty minutes before sun exposure. Repellents can be applied just before going outside. Repellents may reduce the effectiveness of sunscreens. If both are needed, consider using a stronger sunscreen.
9. Avoid non-repellent items that claim to provide protection. Wristbands are ineffective. Taking vitamin B allegedly reduces itching from bites, causing people to think they are being bitten less. Sound and light devices attract insects to the devices, but then attack people near the devices, possibly increasing risk of being bitten. Products that emit vapors may be harmful if inhaled indoors over prolonged periods of time, especially by children. Outdoors, vapor effectiveness varies depending on wind direction and other factors.
10. Familiarize yourself with one or two repellents. Products come in the form of lotions, creams, gels, aerosols, sticks and towelettes. Read instructions. Contact manufacturers, if necessary; most have websites. Know how long protection lasts; hot weather, perspiration, swimming and other factors tend to shorten duration of effectiveness. Read storage advice. Most products have expiration dates. Using extremely old repellent can cause skin irritation and rashes.
Excellent additional information is available at :
- Repellents: Use and Effectiveness (Environmental Protection Agency)
http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/
- Insect Repellent Use and Safety (CDC)
www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html
- Choosing and Using Insect Repellents (National Pesticide Information Center)
http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/repel.html
