May 21, 2009

LANSING - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding consumers to exercise care when applying insect repellent. Insect repellents are most often used to deter mosquitoes, biting flies, and ticks that are annoying and can pose a serious health risk. Excessive use of products containing diethyltoluamide (DEET), however, can result in adverse health effects, particularly in children if not properly applied.

“Sunshine and warm weather means more time outside with friends and family, but can also bring an onslaught of insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. If you’re going to use an insect repellent, it’s critical consumers follow application guidelines, especially on children,” said Don Koivisto, MDA director. “To help keep your family safe and healthy, consumers should only use repellents registered with MDA.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Environmental Health recommends the following:

• Repellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than two months old.
• When using a repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child.
• Avoid children’s eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around their ears. Do not apply repellent to children’s hands.
• Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent to themselves.
• Keep repellents out of reach of children, and do not apply repellent to skin under clothing.

Additional precautions regarding applying repellents and eliminating possible breeding grounds for summer insects:

• Read all label directions before using the product and follow them carefully. Not all repellents are intended to be applied to the skin.
• Use repellents sparingly. Low concentrations (10% or below) are effective and may be preferred in most situations. Start with a low-concentration product and
  reapply if necessary.
• If repellents are applied over a long period of time, alternate the repellent with one having another active ingredient.
• Once the child is back indoors and/or the repellent is no longer necessary, wash the treated skin with soap and water.
• Do not use repellents on broken or irritated skin or apply to eyes and mouth. Avoid breathing sprays and do not use near food.
• Avoid mosquitoes during their prime feeding hours of dusk and dawn.
• Consider the use of non-chemical means to prevent biting - screens, netting, long sleeves, closed shoes, and pants instead of shorts/skirts.
• Practice prevention by eliminating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Eliminate any standing water near the home, if possible. Use biological controls for small lakes and pond such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis available at many stores.

Although reactions to repellents are rare, exposure to excessive levels of DEET may cause headaches, restlessness, crying spells, mania, staggering, rapid breathing, convulsions, and possibly coma. MDA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are also warning consumers to immediately stop using a repellent if they experience any of the above symptoms. If the product is swallowed, consumers should immediately contact a poison control center or the hospital emergency room..

To determine if a repellent is registered, please check the MDA Web site at www.michigan.gov/mda.