Insect Repellents June 2002 What are insect repellents? Insect repellents are chemicals that deter insects by reducing their likelihood of landing (on people) and biting. They only work on insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, houseflies and deer flies. They do not work for bees and wasps. What is DEET? "DEET" is the short name for the chemical that is the active ingredient in most insect repellents. DEET stands for 'N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide'. What about the use of DEET and Children? The child health concern of DEET is that young children will orally ingest it through hand-to mouth-contact. DEET may be a neurotoxin; in other words, DEET may affect brain development if it is taken orally (based on animal studies). According to Health Canada's recent re-evaluation of DEET, "Although rare, neurotoxic symptoms have occurred in humans and include nausea, vomiting, headache, lethargy, weakness, seizures, tremors, numbness, dizziness and fainting; the few fatal cases, including those that involved children, generally followed excessive or repeated exposure" (Pest Management Review Agency Re-evaluation Decision Document Personal insect repellents containing DEET doc. Number RRD2002-01 page 8) After the Health Canada re-evaluation, the following guidelines were recommended: Children under 6 months of age: DO NOT use personal insect repellents containing DEET on infants. Children aged 6 months to 2 years: Where a high risk of complication from insect bites exists, the use of ONE application of the lowest concentration (>10%) per day of DEET may be considered. Children between 2-12 years of age: The least concentrated product should be used and should not be applied more than three times per day. For all children: This product should not be applied to the face and hands. Adults or individuals 12 years or older: DEET products with a lower concentration are as effective as products with a higher concentration (>30%). Although these products do not work for as long a period of time, it is better to use a lower concentration and apply as needed. What are some alternatives? Some natural insect repellents such as soybean oil, lavender oil and citronella oil are registered for personal use in Canada. Proper screens in all windows, net clothing, sticky tape strips, light coloured clothing that covers arms and legs and avoiding mosquito habitats and times of peak insect activity. What to do if you are going to use an insect repellent: It is very important to read the label of whatever product you are using and to apply only to exposed skin or clothing- sparingly. Use only products that are registered in Canada. Wash treated skin with soap and water as soon as you return indoors or no longer need protection. Do not use sunscreens that have insect repellent in them; instead, use a separate sunscreen that can be reapplied frequently or as needed. By: CICH Environment Cluster Back to CICH Communiqués About the Institute / Partnership Opportunities / Planned Giving / Projects & Activities / Resources & Publications / News Releases / CICH Communiqués / Links / Special Events / Coming Soon / Environmental Health / What's New / Site Map / French / Home If you have any comments about our website, please contact our webmaster. Last Reviewed: January 20, 2003 Copyright 2003