Several types of insect repellents are available on the market. These key factors will help you decide which bug sprays are best for your activity-based needs:
- Some repellents are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These repellents have been evaluated and deemed safe and effective. The EPA registration number will be located on the label of the repellent.
- Some repellents target specific insects. Do you need protection from mosquitoes, ticks or both? Find a repellent that best meets your needs.
- Some repellents are effective against both ticks and
- Repellents with 20 to 50 percent DEET will offer the best protection.
- Permethrin treatment of clothing and equipment can provide extra protection against both ticks and mosquitoes with multiple washings.
- How long do you need your repellent to be effective?
- One to two hours: Use a repellent with less than 10 percent DEET or less than 10 percent picaridin.
- Two to four hours: Use a repellent with about 15 percent DEET, 15 percent picaridin or 30 percent oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Five to eight hours: Use a repellant with approximately 20 to 50 percent DEET.
- At what age can DEET products be used on children?
- According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, repellents containing up to 30 percent DEET can be used on children over two months of age.
Additional information about selecting the right insect repellent is available in this safety share courtesy of Mattison Armstrong (ESQ). Please print and share this info with your colleagues and/or staff.
Beginning each meeting with a safety share is a great way to break the ice, begin team building from the onset of meetings and keep safety at the forefront of our minds.
All employees are encouraged to submit safety shares for inclusion in the Safety Share Library. Submission details are available on Inside Argonne.
Each month a safety share submitted by an individual will be selected by Environment, Safety and Quality Assurance to receive a Spot Award for demonstrated safety leadership. The Spot Award program offers three award levels: gold ($100), silver ($50) and bronze ($25).