Summer is in full swing! School’s out, the sun is shining, and families are spending more time at the park, in the backyard, or on evening walks. But warmer weather also brings out unwanted critters that annoy and bite and sting, oh my!
Beyond the nuisance of it all, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from these pests. Mosquitoes, for example, can carry West Nile virus, and ticks can carry Lyme disease. One of the most effective ways to avoid bites is by using insect repellents. Each year, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) receives about 150 calls related to insect repellent exposures—almost all during the warmer months. Most cases involve small children who ingested the insect repellant from the container or licked the repellant that was applied to their own skin or their siblings’ skin. Fortunately, the amount ingested in most cases is too small to cause significant harm. These products, however, can be toxic if larger quantities are ingested or if misapplied to the skin.
Common Types of Insect Repellents
The most widely used insect repellents that are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include:
- DEET (chemical name: N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)
- Picaridin
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus
Other natural products, such as citronella oil, catnip oil, geranium oil and cedarwood oil can be found in retail products. However, their effectiveness is not as well established as the CDC-recommended options above.
DEET
DEET is the most frequently reported insect repellent exposure to IPC, making up about half of the total repellent cases. Products on the market contain anywhere from 4% to 100% DEET. A higher percentage doesn’t mean better protection, just longer protection—so fewer applications are needed.
DEET comes in many forms: lotions, sprays, liquids and even wristbands. All forms can be effective when used properly. However, most potential exposures happen during application or when too much is used.
DEET works well, but it also has the highest potential for toxicity if misused. Most cases occur in children and result from swallowing the product or adults applying too much of it. Common mild to moderate symptoms include nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. More serious reactions—though rare—can affect the nervous system and cause confusion, muscle twitching, seizures, or even coma.
DEET Safety Tips:
- Keep away from children’s hands, eyes and mouths.
- Don’t apply to irritated or broken skin.
- Apply only to exposed skin—there’s no need to apply under clothing.
- Lower concentrations may be safer for kids but will need to be reapplied more often (e.g., 10% DEET lasts about 2 hours; 30% DEET lasts about 5 hours).
- For detailed advice from pediatric experts, check out the American Academy of Pediatrics guidance.
Alternatives to DEET
If you prefer to avoid DEET, there are other options:
Picaridin
Picaridin is a popular alternative and is considered less toxic than DEET. It’s registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is available in aerosols, sprays, liquids, creams, wipes and sticks. Like DEET, stronger formulations last longer (e.g., 10% offers 3-5 hours of protection; 20% can last up to 10 hours).
In a poison center study, less than 5% of exposures resulted in eye irritation, oral irritation or vomiting. Learn more from this picaridin fact sheet.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
This plant-derived repellent is also registered with the EPA and considered a “biopesticide.” It is generally less toxic than DEET, but concentrated forms can still cause stomach issues, drowsiness, dizziness or, in extreme cases, seizures. More information is available here: Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
General Insect Repellent Safety Tips (It’s All in the Technique!)
No matter which product you use, proper application is key:
- Always read and follow the label instructions.
- Apply only to exposed skin and clothing—never under clothing.
- Keep away from the eyes and mouth; use sparingly around the ears.
- For sprays, apply to your hands first, then rub onto the face.
- Do not use on broken, irritated or sunburned skin.
- Never use in enclosed areas or near food.
- Avoid breathing in spray products.
For more information on insect repellents, visit:
Insect repellents are powerful tools to help prevent insect bites and the diseases that can come with them. But like any chemical product, they must be used safely. Preventing accidental exposure is easier—and safer—than treating a toxic reaction.
If you’re ever unsure about a product or if an exposure occurs, call the Illinois Poison Center or your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Click here for information about different classes of insecticides (pyrethrins and pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamates and chlorinated insecticides).
Free Resource:
Want a free Safety Packet from IPC? It includes a sticker, magnet and first-aid tips for different types of poisoning. Get yours today!
