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By Diane Griffith, HealthAtoZ writer
There's a simple way to avoid Lyme disease, West Nile virus and other diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks. Insect repellants - especially those containing the ingredient DEET - are the best protection available. They're easy to use and affordable, yet less than 40 percent of us use them. In fact, in the two states hardest hit by West Nile Virus - California and Arizona - 65 percent of the residents questioned in a Harvard survey responded that they did not use insect repellant.
DEET
DEET does have its drawbacks. Many people are turned off by the smell, think it feels greasy or say it irritates their skin. There have been rare cases of neurological damage and seizures in people who applied DEET repeatedly, something product labels warn against.
How repellants work
The female mosquito is attracted to our breath and perspiration. Repellants mask these smells, making us unattractive for feeding. Some people are more attractive than others to a mosquito because they emit scents that mosquitoes find especially desirable. If mosquitoes seem to find you particularly appetizing, washing repeatedly - especially with antibacterial soap - will help repel them.
Insect-related diseases
Aside from West Nile Virus and Lyme disease, mosquitoes and ticks carry other diseases - all of which can be prevented with repellant. Two types of encephalitis - La Crosse and St. Louis - can cause swelling of the brain in children. In rare cases, there can be permanent damage, and even death.
Other tick-related illnesses affecting children and adults include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and ehrlichiosis. If not treated, these diseases can be fatal.
Types of repellants
Until recently, DEET was the only product believed to effectively repel insects. Now, several other repellants are also being recommended:
- Picaridin: This repellant has recently become available in the United States. Products containing 19.2 percent picaridin can provide protection for at least nine hours. Cutter Advanced® is presently the only American product with picaridin. It contains a 7 percent concentration, which lasts about two hours.
- Lemon eucalyptus: This plant-based repellant provides protection similar to that of DEET. It is found in OFF! Botanicals® and Repel Lemon Eucalyptus ®. It shouldn't be used on children under age 3.
- Permethrin: An insecticide that is applied to clothing, shoes and camping equipment - but not to skin - to repel insects. Permethrin impregnated clothing is now available from mail order sporting goods stores, making insect protection more convenient.
Choosing a product
Consider the amount of time you plan to spend outdoors. The higher the concentration, the longer the repellant will last. DEET concentrations range from 4.75 percent (providing protection for 90 minutes) to 23.8 percent (providing protection for 5 hours).
Using repellants safely
When applying repellants, follow these guidelines:
- Follow label directions.
- Cover exposed skin and clothing. Don't apply under clothing.
- Don't apply to cuts or open skin.
- When returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
- To apply repellant to your face, first spray on hands, then rub on your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth. Apply repellant to children's faces in the same way.
- Don't apply repellant to children's hands.
- Don't allow children to apply their own repellant. Keep it out of their reach.
- Don't apply DEET to children under 2 months of age. Use low concentrations on children older than 2 months.
- If you experience a reaction, call your local poison control center or 1-800-222-1222.
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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