No items found.

Here are ways you can protect your kids from mosquito bites

Q: What mosquito repellents are safe for kids? I seem to remember that you have written about problems with DEET.

A: DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) has been controversial for decades. It was developed by the U.S. military shortly after World War II to protect troops from dengue, malaria and other tropical diseases carried by mosquitoes. In 1957, it was released on the consumer market. DEET is effective in repelling ticks as well as mosquitoes, so it can help protect youngsters from Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever as well as West Nile virus.

Over the years, there have been a few reports of neurological reactions in young children (Human & Experimental Toxicology, January 2001). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency both say that DEET is safe as long as parents follow the instructions on the label.

If you prefer to avoid DEET, there are effective alternatives. Pediatrician Alan Greene recommends picaridin-containing products such as Natrapel and Sawyer on his website DrGreene.com. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus are also effective and considered safe for children. Consumer Reports suggests that adults should apply insect repellent to their own hands and then rub it on children’s exposed skin.

Joe Graedon, M.S., and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D. have put together numerous other detailed questions & answers, you can find them here.

LAST UPDATED

October 29, 2023

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

Houston Chronicle

Media Mentions from Houston Chronicle

News headlines from Houston Chronicle journalists.

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

Lucky for us trail-goers, Amazon’s Big Spring Sale has hundreds of hiking products on sale, and here are 15 of the best deals to stock up for this season’s outdoor adventures.

Travel + Leisure
Media Mentions from Travel + Leisure

Media Mentions

Lastly, before receiving Sawyer filters here, Sinchu Al-Haggi, a village of 9 compounds and 121 residents relied exclusively on drinking straight from these 2 open wells.

Water Charity

Media Mentions

In the meantime, bring your baggage, so that when you are ready, you can learn to let go and carry your weight. Trust me, you’ll unpack things in due time when it’s all done.

Ben Kirkland