Repellents can protect you from annoying insect bites and mosquito-borne illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend the use of insect repellents containing active ingredients that have been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Registration of these types of products means that they have been tested and proven to be effective and safe for humans when applied according to the label directions.
The following insect repellent active ingredients are registered with the EPA and recommended by the CDC:
- DEET (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics concentrations up to 30% may be applied to children 2 months and older)
- Picaridin
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or PMD (not for use on children 3 years and younger)
- IR3535
Please visit the CDC's Insect Repellent Page for detailed information about any of these repellents.