Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project
Repellent Information
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a Web page containing product information on EPA-Registered skin-applied insect repellents.
The Web page contains two tables listing insect repellent products that are registered by the agency: those that control mosquitoes and ticks, and those that only control mosquitoes. The Web page compiles publicly available information on protection times based on product effectiveness data reviewed by EPA, and presents it in a format that makes it easy for consumers to make informed risk management decisions to protect their health and that of their families and children. The Web page also contains information on vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease, and the importance of personal protection measures.
The Web page can be accessed at http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/
To find out more information on the repellent you are using for mosquitoes and/or ticks and its protection times, see the Quick Resources on the right side of the page and select "Search tool for EPA-registered repellents and their protection times". You only need to enter the EPA registration number in the search box and you will quickly bring the information on this product.
If you are simply looking a product that will best fit your needs, use the "Search Tool" but do not enter any information simply select "search" and you will see information on all 669 EPA registered products.
The NPIC has an Insect Repellent locator page that lists all of the EPA's registered products in a format that some may find easier to use that the EPA's Search Tool - NPIC Link.
The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
The CDC also has a great deal of information on repellents on its website - CDC Link
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health
The Department annually updates its own Public Health Fact Sheet on Mosquito Repellents.
The DPH Repellent Fact Sheet can be accessed on its website - DPH Link
Mosquitoes
can spread viruses that can result in serious illnesses or even death. In
Massachusetts, the diseases spread to humans by mosquitoes are West Nile Virus (WNV)
and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Mosquito repellents can reduce your
chances of being bitten by a mosquito and as a result reduce the risk that you
will get one of these diseases.
Repellents
for use on skin and clothing
The following
products are EPA registered and are recommended by the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC).
IR3535 (Chemical Name: 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester
Permethrin (synthetic pyrethroid) Repels and kills mosquitoes and ticks. NOT APPLIED TO SKIN! Applied to clothing, shoes, bed nets, camping gear.
What
are some general considerations to remember when using insect repellents?
· Always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label!!
·
Use enough repellent
to cover exposed skin or clothing.
·
Don't apply repellent
to skin that is under clothing. Heavy application is not necessary to achieve
protection.
·
Do not apply
repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
·
After returning
indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water. (This may vary depending on the
product. Check the label.)
·
Do not spray aerosol
or pump products in enclosed areas.
·
Do not spray aerosol
or pump products directly to your face. Spray your hands and then rub them
carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth.
·
It
is not recommended to use a repellent/sunscreen combination
Can
insect repellents be used on children?
Repellent
products must state any age restrictions. If there is none listed, the EPA has
not required a restriction on the use of the product.
What
guidelines are available for using a repellent on children?
Always
follow the recommendations appearing on the product label when using a
repellent.
• When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub
them on your child. Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around
their ears.
• Do not apply repellent to children's hands. (Children may tend to put their
hands in their mouths.)
• Do not allow young children to self-apply insect repellents; have an adult
do it for them.
• Keep repellents out of reach of children.
• Do not apply repellent under clothing. If repellent is applied to clothing,
wash treated clothing before wearing again. (May vary by product; check the
label).
The American Academy of Pediatrics sponsors a website called Healthy Children
To view the Academy's repellent information click on the following link - Safety and Prevention
Unregistered Repellents/Pesticides
Not all repellent products on the market are registered with the EPA. Read the EPA's information page on these products prior to considering their use. Unregistered Repellents.
This page was updated on June 5, 2012