Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the use of products containing active ingredients registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use as repellents applied to skin and clothing.
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.
These products are sold at most major supermarkets and retailers throughout Boulder County.
- DEET as an Active Ingredient
- Determining Repellent Effectiveness
- Other Mosquito Prevention Products
- DEET Products & Alternatives
Effectiveness
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.
IR3535
IR3535 has been used as an insect repellent in Europe for 20 years with no substantial adverse effects. Toxicity tests show that IR3535 is not harmful when ingested, inhaled, or used on skin. Eye irritation could occur if the chemical enters a person’s eyes.
