How to Choose DEET Insect Repellents for Kids
Concentration Levels, Sunscreen Additives, and Bug Sprays
Jul 8, 2009
As much as children live to be outdoors, mosquitoes and other biting bugs live to make lunch of the kids. Insect repellent is a product that can deter these insects fervor for feasting on children, and the most widely used recommended active ingredient in insect repellents is DEET. Before parents start generously applying DEET repellents, it is important that they have a good grasp of how bug repellents work and how to use them properly.
Safety of Insect Repellents With DEET
DEET, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, was registered for public use in 1957 and re-evaluated in 1998 and 2005. Though under scrutiny for safety, DEET has been found to be safe and effective for children older than 2 months of age. However, it comes with the caution that the product must be used according to the manufacturer’s directions. When used too often or applied incorrectly, it may be cause for concern.
How DEET Works to Disguise Carbon Dioxide
Though grandma’s old saying, “The bugs are biting you because you are so sweet,” sounds nice enough, it is far from accurate. The truth is, what insects are centering on does not have to do with sweetness of the blood, but the scent of carbon dioxide that one's skin and breath emits. When DEET is applied to patches of exposed skin and to clothing; mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects cannot find the source of carbon dioxide as easily.
What Concentration Levels are Best
DEET bug repellents can be purchased in a wide span of concentration levels. An example of a lower concentration bug spray is OFF! Skintastic Family with approximately 5% DEET. However, products can be purchased that are 100% DEET, such as Cutter Max 100.
What parents need to understand is that a product with a higher repellent does not mean that it is more effective. Instead, what a higher percentage of DEET means is that the repellent will last longer. Therefore, it may be best to select the insect repellent that suits the length of time the child will be outdoors. Children who will be out for only a few hours should find that a DEET concentration of less than 10% to be effective. If kids will be outdoors for 4–5 hours, 20–30% concentration levels should suffice.
Why to Avoid Combination Sunscreens and Bug Sprays
Frugal parents might spy the combination sunscreen/bug repellents on the shelves at the store and assume they have struck the jack pot. Unfortunately, that is not the case. These repellents, like Coppertone Bug and Sun and Bull Frog Mosquito Coast, will more than likely need to be reapplied more than once a day in order to have the sunscreen work properly. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that DEET products only be applied to children once a day. Unless children will only be out for brief periods of time, it is likely better to purchase two separate products.
Though concern was raised over whether DEET products were toxic, continued studies reassure families that when used according to manufacturer’s instructions, DEET is appropriate for children. Parents can take comfort that DEET repellents are considered to be the most effective of insect repellents and safe for use on children.
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