Interested in protecting yourself and your students against these creatures? Insect repellents are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are several options for insect repellent products. They all work as chemical barriers, blocking a mosquito’s ability to smell or detect prey.



DEET (found in OFF, Repel, and others) is very effective. Remember that high concentrations don’t work better, they just last longer For adults, suggest concentrations from between 10% and 50%, which last from 2 to 6 hours. For children over age 2 years, do not apply concentrations of DEET greater than 30%.



Picaridin (found in Cutter Advanced, and others) may be less irritating than DEET, better smelling, and feel better on the skin. Picaridin 7% is comparable to DEET 10%, as both last about 2 hours.



Lemon eucalyptus oil (found in Repel Lemon Eucalyptus and others) is newer to CDC’s list. The 30% product works as well as DEET 10%. Safety for children under age 3 has not yet been established.



Permethrin (found in Frite Bite, Everglades, and others) is applied only to clothing and camping gear, not to skin. Prolonged exposure may cause neurotoxicty.



What goes on first: the sunscreen or the insect repellent? Sunscreen goes on first. It needs to bind with the skin. The repellent can go on later. Avoid areas around the mouth and eyes.