Insect Repellents

Personal Protective Measures

Use non chemical methods to reduce mosquito bites
Wear light coloured, long sleeves and pants
Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity – dusk and dawn
Consider staying under mosquito netting if outdoors while mosquitoes are active
Don’t forgo repellent for anti mosquito gadgets, they haven’t been proven to reduce bites

Using in insect repellent

Read the label before use.
Use small amounts only on exposed skin or on top of clothing. Do not use under clothing.
Repeat application only if necessary – biting is occurring.
Do not use on open wounds, irritated skin or sunburned skin.
Use in well ventilated areas (not inside a tent) and avoid breathing in spray mists.
Wash skin with soap and water when you return indoors and protection is no longer needed.
If you think that you may be sensitive to a repellent, put onto a small area of skin on your arm and wait 24 hours to see if a reaction occurs.
Repellents with DEET have been used by millions of people world wide for over 30 years. Few adverse reactions have occurred. Reactions can occur if products are not used correctly.

Choosing a repellent

Use according to need. If you plan to be outdoors for a shorter period of time a lower concentration can be used.
30% DEET provides 6.5 hours protection
15% DEET provides 5 hours of protection
10% DEET provides 3 hours protection
5% DEET provides 2 hours protection.
Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency is evaluating repellents containing citronella and lavender oil. Citronella products registered in Canada give less than one hour protection.
Registered lavender oil products give less than 30 minute protection. Citronella based products may also cause allergic reactions.

Use of repellents by age group:

For more information contact your physician or Community Health office in your area