Today, mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. Some carry West Nile virus and bites may lead to West Nile virus infection and, in turn, mild or serious illness.

One way to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites is to use insect repellent when outdoors.

• Use federally registered insect repellents such as products containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide).
• Apply repellent sparingly on exposed skin or on top of clothing.
• Do not use under clothing.
• The repellent doesn’t have to be applied heavily to be effective – a light coating will do.
• The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30 per cent for adults and no greater than 10 per cent for children.
• DEET-containing repellents are not to be used on children under 6 months of age.
• Use mosquito netting for babies and toddlers in cribs and strollers.
• Use only when needed and follow label directions carefully including restrictions for use on young children and maximum number of applications per day.

Studies have shown that products with lower concentration of DEET are just as effective as the high concentration products, but they remain effective for shorter periods of time:

30 per cent DEET provides protection for approx. 6 hours
15 per cent DEET provides protection for approx. 5 hours
10 per cent DEET provides protection for approx. 3 hours
5 per cent DEET provides protection for approx. 2 hours

• It recommends that, where there is a high risk of complications to the child from insect bites, DEET may be considered for children aged 6 months to 2 years.
• Use sparingly, avoid the face and hands, apply only once a day, and use the least concentrated product (10 per cent or less) on children aged 6 months to 2 years.
• Health Canada also advises not to apply DEET more than three times a day to children between 2 and 12 years of age.
• Always supervise the application on children. Avoid application to children's hands to reduce the chance of getting the repellent in their eyes and mouths.
• For more information, call your doctor and visit the Health Canada website for "Safety Tips on Using Personal Insect Repellents.”

When applying DEET-containing repellents to children, use sparingly, avoid the face and hands, apply only once a day, and use the least concentrated product (10 per cent or less).

• Do not use repellent on open wounds, or if skin is irritated or sunburned.
• Do not get it in your eyes — if this happens, rinse with water right away.
• Avoid breathing mist from spray-type repellent. Always apply in a well-ventilated area; never apply spray repellent inside a tent.
• Do not use near food.
• Check for sensitivity — apply repellent to a small area of skin on the arm and wait for 24 hours before use.
• Read the manufacturer's instructions on the label carefully.

May 2005

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