Insect repellent

Using an insect repellent can be helpful in preventing insect bites, and most repellents now use one of two main active ingredients – DEET or picaridin.

Which active ingredient should you look for in a mosquito repellent?

Repellents can be produced using synthetic chemicals or natural products and are available as aerosols, creams, pump sprays, wipes and wearable devices such as wrist bands. The concentration of the active ingredient in mosquito repellents determines how long it will protect you.

  • The most common active ingredients used are diethyltoluamide (DEET) and picaridin.
  • Both DEET and picaridin are effective at preventing bites, but picaridin is odourless and so considered to be more pleasant to use.
  • Plant-derived ingredients like melaleuca oil and citronella are also sometimes used.

Tips for using mosquito repellents

  1. Apply it evenly to all areas of exposed skin. A spray here and there or applying repellent to your clothes or belongings isn’t effective.
  2. Don’t apply aerosols or pump sprays directly to your face – spray them onto your hands first and rub on evenly, avoiding contact with your eyes and mouth.
  3. Reapply frequently if you go swimming or sweat heavily.
  1. Don’t use repellents on children under three months old. Stick to using netting on cribs, beds and play areas to avoid bites.
  2. Consider how long you need to be protected. For a short trip outdoors a low concentration repellent will do, but if you’re off on a hike or fishing trip you’ll need a higher-concentration repellent.
  3. Perfumes and dark clothes attract mosquitoes, so avoid them if possible.

Just The Facts -

  • Mosquitoes are blood-sucking insects that are attracted to the smell of our skin, and when they bite inject saliva into it.
  • A bite from a mosquito that has developed a virus has the potential to transmit diseases. Our bodies react by causing the “itchy bite”.
  • Only female mosquitoes bite – the blood from humans or animals gives them the protein they need for egg development.

This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.