Insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) was re-evaluated by Health Canada in 2002, and while they are considered safe when not digested or sprayed in eyes, nose or mouth, there are healthier alternatives for picnic-goers or urban travellers.
Why are DEET-based Insect Repellents Dangerous?
DEET is often found in lice-killing shampoos, as well as insect repellents: Duke University’s Mohamed Abou-Donia, Ph.D. states that his 30 years of research on pesticides' brain effects “clearly indicate the need for caution among the general public.”
Reasons for staying away from toluadmides are numerous; while they are effective in keeping West Nile Virus at bay, there are ways to stay healthy without poisoning yourself and our waterways. After all, if you’re applying it to your skin, it will wash off, and find its way to your sewer and eventually, your local water supply. The World Health Organization and the EPA have noted that DEET can harm your neural pathways as well damage your motor control skills.
While 35% DEET protects for 4 to 6 hours, repellents that contain more than 35% have been associated with causing seizures. Using a repellent that strong is usually recommended for travellers headed to malaria-prone destinations, or locations that have high incidents of West Nile Virus. Health Canada has posted Safety Tips on using Personal Insect Repellents.
DEET-free, Child-Safe Insect Repellents
If you’re staying in North America, and do not live in a West Nile Virus hotspot, a milder form of mosquito-proofing yourself may be a healthier option.
- Druide Citronella Insect Repellent: Ingredients include citronella, terpene (a pine resin by-product), tea tree essential oil, organic rosemary, thyme, basil, geranium, and patchouli.
- Thursday Plantation Walkabout Insect Repellent: Made with natural essential oils, and is recommended for sensitive skin. Contains Meleleuca Oil, Tea Tree Oil, steam-distilled Lemon-Scented Tea Tree oil, Citronella Oil.
- Natrapel Natural Insect Repellent: A plant-based, DEET-free formula that is registered with the EPA. It advertises “similar effectiveness as low-level DEET products.”
- Repel Lemon Eucalyptus: As the name suggests, this personal insecticide is made from Lemon Eucalyptus, and comes in a recyclable spray-pump.
- Bite Blocker Herbal Spray: This DEET-free insecticide’s website contains an efficacy report that claim studies proving Bite Blocker is as effective as DEET. Users need to re-apply every 2-3 hours to be as effective as repellents that contain 7% DEET.
- Gone! Safe and Natural Outdoor Spray: A natural insect repellent that contains a low-grade sunscreen (SPF 10.)
Myths About Natural Mosquito Repellents
Health Canada has stated that mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide and strong fragrances from soaps, lotions, deodorants, and hair care products and perfumes. While urban legends mention that eating garlic repels mosquitoes, there isn’t much scientific study on how eating bananas, Vitamin B1 or garlic either attracts or repels insects.
Other old wives tales include planting marigolds and citrosa plants outside your home to prevent mosquitoes from entering: While they are an attractive addition to your garden, they will not stop mosquitoes from biting passers-by, or prevent them from entering your home.
The best protection for infants and toddlers is to keep them covered in light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and drape netting over prams or strollers. Adults should avoid after-shaves, colognes, scented soaps or perfumed body spray or deodorants. Wearing loose fitting clothes means that your body will be able to ventilate a bit easier and not produce as much mosquito-attracting perspiration.
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