Is DEET Insect Repellant Safe for Kids

Mosquitoes and ticks are more than just unwelcome pests. They can also make you sick. Conditions like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika are spread through mosquito bites.

In the past, these have mostly been a concern for people traveling outside of the U.S. That's changing, though. Mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus have been found in every state in the continental U.S. And tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are common in many parts of the country.

So, how can you protect yourself and your family?

One way is by using insect repellents. DEET is an ingredient in many bug sprays that helps keep bugs away from you. Using it translates to less of a chance of being bitten and getting an infection. But is DEET safe for kids?

Let's look at the evidence behind whether using DEET bug spray is safe for children.

What is DEET and how is it used?

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) has been used as an insect repellant since 1946. It was invented by the U.S. Army to protect soldiers from insects. DEET works to repel - but not kill - biting insects. Mosquitoes don't like the taste and smell of DEET. So, they'll avoid people and objects that smell like it.

DEET insect repellent comes in several forms, including:

• Aerosol sprays

• Liquid mists

• Lotions

• Wipes

• Infused wristbands

DEET is available in concentrations from 4% to 100%. A higher concentration doesn't mean it works better. It just means that it'll last longer. For example, 5% DEET provides protection for about 2 hours. But 30% DEET protects for about 5 hours.

DEET is safe when used as directed. There are rare reports of people developing side effects from DEET. But these were only when it was used at levels higher than recommended or when people accidentally swallowed large amounts of it.

Can kids use DEET?

Yes, DEET is approved for use in children of any age.

However, the American Academy of Pediatrics cautions that children under the age of 2 may absorb chemicals like DEET more easily than that of an older child or adult. For this reason, it's recommended that DEET be applied sparingly on toddlers and babies.

How do you use DEET safely on children?

To safely use DEET, always read and follow the directions for the product you're using. In addition, you can reduce unnecessary exposure to DEET by following these tips:

• Apply only to exposed, healthy skin. Don't apply DEET on rashes, scrapes, or sunburned skin.

• Avoid products that contain both sunscreen and insect repellent. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied more frequently than bug repellant. This means you may use more DEET than you need to.

• Use the lowest concentration. Remember that the concentration of DEET is what determines how long the repellent lasts. Use a lower concentration DEET product when possible. If you need something long lasting, use a higher concentration.

• Apply DEET products outdoors or in rooms with open windows. This will help you avoid inhaling extra DEET.

• Don't spray DEET directly on the face. Instead, spray the product on your hands, and then use your hands to apply DEET to the face.

• Wash skin after use. Bathe kids after they come inside to remove any lingering DEET. Wash their clothes before they wear them again. This gets any extra DEET off their skin and clothes.

What should you look for in a DEET insect repellent?

FIrst, look at the concentration of DEET in the product. Choose the concentration based on the amount of time you'll spend outdoors:

• If your child will only be outside for 2 hours or less, pick a 5% to 10% DEET product.

• If your child will be outside most of the day, like at camp, you can choose a 20% to 30% product.

• Most experts agree there's no benefit to using concentrations higher than 30%.

Next, choose the formulation that will work best for your family. Aerosol sprays and liquid mists are helpful if you need to cover a large area of skin quickly. Sprays and mists can be a good choice for when you're starting off the day or first going outdoors.

DEET wipes are easy to use and transport. They're also easier to control exactly where the product is applied. So, if you need a quick spot reapplication, wipes may be a good choice.

Follow the product's instructions about reapplication. Keep in mind that DEET absorbs more easily from lotions, so these products shouldn't be reapplied more often than directed.

What are the best DEET alternatives for kids?

There are alternatives to DEET bug spray that have been proven safe and effective for kids. These include insect repellents that contain:

• Picaridin

• Oil of eucalyptus (for children age 3+)

• Para-menthane-diol (for children age 3+)

• 2-undecanone

There are also natural mosquito repellents made with essential oils. These natural alternatives are generally safe for kids. But they don't work as well as DEET bug sprays. Natural mosquito repellents often contain:

• Citronella

• Catnip oil

• Neem oil

• Lemongrass oil

• Clove oil

If you aren't sure about which bug spray to choose, try checking the list provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of registered insect repellents.