Insect repellent tips
Apply sparingly
Repeat applications as necessary
Do not apply to broken or irritated skin
Wash with soap and water when you return indoors, or protection is no longer required
Avoid the eyes, rinse thoroughly if contact occurs
Avoid inhaling the spray
Do not use near food
Check for sensitivity on a small patch of skin 24 hours before protection is required
Keep insect repellent containers out of reach of children
Wipe repellent on to children, don't spray
There is no indication of a hazard to the unborn or nursing child associated with the use of DEET by pregnant or lactating women
Use mosquito repellent
Take extra care when outside at dusk or dawn. If living or traveling in an area known or suspected to have WNv or any other mosquito-borne disease, use an insect repellent to help protect against mosquito bites. Use only insect repellents that contain DEET or other approved ingredients:
A product containing 23.8% DEET provides an average of 5 hours of protection from mosquito bites.
A product containing 20% DEET provides almost 4 hours of protection
A product with 6.65% DEET provides almost 2 hours of protection
A product with 4.75% DEET provides roughly 1 and a half hours of protection.
A product with 2% soybean oil provides roughly 1 and a half hours of protection.
When used as directed, DEET is a safe and very effective ingredient for repelling mosquitoes and preventing bites. There are alternative products available, but most provide minimal protection and should be used with caution. View Health Canada's statement paper on personal protection measures for travelers.
P-mentane-3,8-diol, a derivative of oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, is no longer available under the OFF Botanicals label. It is not clear at this point whether production will resume under a different name/company in the future.
Soybean oil at 2% is another alternative to low concentration DEET, again offering about 1 to 4 hours protection against mosquitoes and is approved for use in Canada.
DEET and sunscreen
In general, the recommendations for sunscreen and repellents are opposite. Apply sparingly for repellents and liberally and often for sunscreen. DEET and sunscreen combination products are not recommended, and in fact, the effectiveness of DEET is reduced 34% when the two are used together. If the two are needed together apply the sunscreen first and allow 20 minutes to soak in then apply DEET.
DEET and Children
Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) allows the following:
Up to 30% DEET for children over 12 years;
Up to 10% DEET for children 2 12 years up to 3 times per day;
Up to 10% DEET for children 6 months to 2 years once per day;
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years.
*Note: For children, alternative methods of personal protection should be considered as first lines of defense. Examples of alternatives are mosquito nets, protective clothing, or avoidance.
