Safer, Effective Alternatives to DEET Insect Repellent
EPA registration of repellent active ingredients indicates the materials have been reviewed and approved for efficacy and human safety when applied according to the instructions on the label.
The DEET alternatives listed below have been shown to have the same efficacy as a low concentration of DEET, lasting about 90 minutes.
Please follow the manufacturer's instructions provided on the product label.
Bite Blocker (key ingredient: soybean oil).
Picaridin, found in Cutter Advanced. This product has not yet been approved for children under 3. Picaridin, also known as KBR 3023, has been available for many years in Asia, Australia, and Europe. It was recently approved for use in mosquito sprays by the EPA and has been included in the list of repellent recommendations by the CDC.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus, found in Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, OFF! Botanicals & Fight Bite Plant-Based Insect Repellent. These products should not be used on children under 3. Repel is 30% eucalyptus oil. Pure eucalyptus oil should never be applied to skin.
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