TRIPPING PROBLEMS

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Health Canada announced a decision to ban repellents with higher than 30% concentrations of DEET from stores.
This took effect in Dec. 2004.
As well, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine was published indicating that DEET repellents give the best protection from mosquitoes.
Avoiding insect bites can be difficult, but before you use an insect repellent, try these methods:

  • Wear light-coloured clothing.
  • Don't use scented soaps, hair spray, perfume, etc. when outdoors.
  • Burn citronella candles.
  • Stay away from stagnant water at dusk and dawn.

If these fundamental precautionary measures are not enough, repellents are the next step.

DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is the most effective and widely used chemical in insect repellents. It is a toxin, so you should choose the lowest DEET concentration that you need.
In most situations, less than 30% DEET will adequately protect an adult.
When selecting a DEET product, remember that lower DEET concentrations are as good as higher concentration products, but for a shorter time period.
As a rule of thumb, products with 5-6% DEET are good for 2 hours, 7-10% for 3 hours, 11-14% for 4 hours, 15-21% for 5 hours, and 22-30% for 6 hours.

Natural Insect Repellent
Natural oil-based repellents often contain only plant-based ingredients such as citronella, and are not as effective as chemical-based repellents. However, natural oil-based repellents are safer, making them a good choice for children, those who suffer from skin irritations, and those who use insect repellent for extended periods of time. Note that some people are allergic to essential oils, so test a patch of essential-oil-based repellent on your skin before using it.


Keep in mind that natural oil-based insect repellents need to be applied frequently in order to remain effective. Products that contain citronella may last up to twenty minutes, while eucalyptus oil products last an average of two hours.
When you use DEET repellents, be aware that there are some dangerous side effects that have been associated with improper use, particularly with children being exposed to high concentrations.

DEET Repellent Use Guidelines for Everyone:

  • Follow the instructions on the label.
  • Keep DEET repellents away from wounds or scratches.
  • If you're wearing natural fibre clothing, apply DEET products to your clothing rather than directly on your skin. Note that DEET may damage synthetic clothing.
  • Apply DEET products before sunscreen, otherwise DEET reduces sunscreen's effectiveness.
  • Wash your hands after applying DEET and before eating, and wash off DEET products as soon as you are away from the bugs.
  • Do not use DEET products for prolonged daily use due to health risks.

More DEET Product Use Guidelines for Children:

  • Do not allow children to apply DEET repellents themselves, to help keep it off their hands and faces.
  • Do not use DEET products on infants six months and younger.
  • Only use repellents with ten percent DEET or less on children aged six months to two years, and only apply once per day.
  • Only use products with 10 percent DEET or less on children between 2 and 12 years old, and only apply up to three times per day.

There are some additional things that you should know about repellents.
These files are from good sources. (in PDF format)