How should repellents be used on children?
Parents should choose the type and concentration of repellent by taking into account the amount of time that a child will be outdoors, their likelihood of exposure to mosquitoes, and the risk of mosquito-transmitted disease in the area. Always follow the directions on the label. Parents can protect their children from mosquito bites in several ways: • Repellents should not be applied to infants under the age of 2 months. Dress infants in long sleeves and long pants whenever possible or use netting over strollers, playpens, etc. • Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent themselves. Keep repellents out of reach of young children. • When around mosquitoes and when practical, dress children in long pants and long sleeved shirts to prevent bites. • Use a DEET or picaridin-based repellent with less than 10% of the active ingredient on children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (citriodiol or p-Menthane-3, 8 diol)-based repellents can be used on children over the age of three. • Apply re
