Your Health

Guarding against tick bites

Insect Repellents -Deet:

• Apply the repellent sparingly, and only on exposed skin surfaces or on top of clothing. Do not use under clothing. Repeat applications only as necessary.
• Do not get in the eyes; if you do, rinse immediately with water.
• Do not use on open wounds or irritated or sunburned skin.
• Avoid inhaling fumes; do not use in enclosed spaces and do not use
  near food.
• Wash treated skin with soap and water when protection is no longer needed.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Avoid applying insect repellent to children's hands to reduce the chance of getting repellent in their eyes and mouth.
• These repellents offer different protection based on the DEET concentration: 
  
  30% concentration offers 6 hours of protection
  15% concentration offers 5 hours of protection
  10% concentration offers 3 hours of protection
  5% concentration offers 2 hours of protection.

The following guidelines for using DEET on children were developed in consultation with the Canadian Pediatric Society:

Children under 6 months of age: 

• DO NOT use insect repellents containing DEET on infants     

Children aged 6 months to 2 years:

• In situations where a high complication from insect bites exists, the use of one application per day of DEET may be considered for this age group.
• Use the least concentrated product (10% or less).
• Apply sparingly and do not apply to face or hands.
• Prolonged use should be avoided.

Children aged 2 - 12 years of age:

• Use the least concentrated product (10% or less).
• Do not use more than three times per day.
• Prolonged use should be avoided.

Adult and children aged 12 years or older:

• Products containing DEET at concentrations above 30% will no longer be acceptable for registration, based on human health risk over a prolonged period of time.
• Studies show that products with lower concentrations of DEET are as effective as high concentrations, but remain so for shorter periods of time.
• Reapply after protection times have elapsed if necessary.       

NOTE: There is no indication that there is a hazard to the unborn or nursing child associated with the use of DEET by pregnant or lactating women.  However, there are non-chemical methods to reduce mosquito bites (protective clothing, avoiding mosquito habitat and times of peak activity), which could be considered.

Source: MB Health and Healthy Living

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