Use EPA-Registered Repellent, No OLE or PMD for Kids Under 3
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says to prevent mosquito bites with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing one of these active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), PMD, or 2-undecanone; when used as directed, EPA-registered repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. For children, do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3, and do not apply repellent to a child's hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.
CDC says mosquitoes bite day and night, and the germs they spread through bites can make you sick. This article follows CDC's mosquito bite prevention page: how to choose a repellent, how to use it on children, what to wear, and how to reduce mosquitoes indoors and outdoors. Everyone's health is different; if you have questions, ask your health care provider.
How to choose a repellent
CDC explains (CDC, Preventing Mosquito Bites):
- Look for the EPA number: Find the EPA registration number (EPA Reg. No.) on the product label; it means the company gave EPA technical information on the product's effectiveness.
- Six active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the United States), IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE, plant-derived), PMD, and 2-undecanone (plant-derived).
- Search for products: EPA's search tool lets you filter by protection time, active ingredient and other details.
- Natural repellents: CDC says the effectiveness of non-EPA registered repellents, including some natural repellents, is not known; CDC and EPA recommend using an EPA-registered repellent.
For children
- Clothing: Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Strollers: Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- Follow the label: Always follow label instructions.
- Under 3: Do not use products containing OLE or PMD.
- Where not to apply: A child's hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.
- Applying to the face: Adults apply repellent onto their own hands first, then apply it to the child's face.
For everyone
- Follow the label: Always follow the product label instructions, and reapply as directed.
- Not under clothing: Do not apply repellent on skin under clothing.
- Sunscreen: If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
What to wear
- Long sleeves and pants: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Permethrin clothing: Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin, an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes; treated clothing still protects after multiple washings.
- Not on skin: Do not use permethrin products directly on skin.
Reducing mosquitoes indoors and outdoors
- Screens: Use screens on windows and doors and repair holes to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
- Air conditioning: Use air conditioning, if available.
- Empty water weekly: Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers, both indoors and outdoors.
For preventing tick bites after time in grass or woods, see Check Your Whole Body for Ticks, Shower Within 2 Hours; for where to see a doctor if you feel sick after a bite, see ERs Can't Refuse the Uninsured, Ask for Self-Pay Estimates.
What this article did not check
- Diseases spread by mosquitoes: The page only says mosquito bites can make you sick and does not list diseases or symptoms, so this article does not cover them.
- Travel abroad: The page does not give advice for travel abroad, and this article did not check it.
- Protection time of each product: See the product label or EPA's search tool; this article did not check it.
FAQ
Can pregnant women use insect repellent?
CDC says that when used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Which goes on first, sunscreen or repellent?
CDC says to apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
Do natural repellents work?
CDC says the effectiveness of non-EPA registered repellents, including some natural repellents, is not known; CDC and EPA recommend using an EPA-registered repellent.
How can I reduce mosquitoes at home?
CDC says to use screens on windows and doors and repair holes, use air conditioning if available, and once a week get rid of standing water in items indoors and outdoors.
Sources and date checked
All checked on 2026-11-02.
- CDC, Preventing Mosquito Bites (page dated 2024-08-28):https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/index.html