Insect repellant facts

Sun and rain always are a part of Wisconsin summers. This combination breeds pesky mosquitoes. Here are some important considerations when picking out an insect repellant:

• DEET is the most effective mosquito repellant available today.
• Twenty-four percent DEET works for about five hours. Ten percent DEET works for about two hours.
• A DEET concentration of greater than 30 percent provides minimal additional protection. Make 30 percent DEET your maximum strength.
• Picardin at 7 percent is an effective alternative if DEET is not tolerated.

Remember to follow these rules when using insect repellants:

• Don't use insect repellant on children younger than 2 months old. Avoid insect exposure with physical barriers such as mosquito netting.
• Match the DEET concentration to the length of exposure. Use the lowest concentration possible.
• Insect repellant should be applied only once a day.
• Avoid sunscreen/insect-repellant combination products. Sunscreen needs to be applied multiple times each day.
• Apply sparingly on exposed skin. Do not use insect repellant under clothing.
• Don't apply to skin with open lesions or to your child's hands.
• Be sure to wash the insect repellant off at the end of the day.