Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project
Repellent Information
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a Web page containing product information on certain skin-applied insect repellents.
The EPA’s stated goal is to provide the public with information on registered
insect repellents and their effectiveness claims in a clear, consistent, and
user-friendly format. The new 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
The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
The CDC also has a great deal of information on repellents on their 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 their 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 http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/summertips.cfm