Insect Repellents

Insect repellents help keep mosquitoes, ticks and other listed biting pests from cutting outdoor time short, whether you’re checking fence lines, tending the garden or heading down to the fishing pond. Choosing an insect repellent starts with knowing which bugs you’re up against and where you’ll be spending your day. Mosquito repellent makes sense around mosquito-prone areas, while a repellent labeled for ticks is worth considering before walking through tall grass, brush or wooded trails. Check the label for the pests it repels, how long protection lasts and how often you can reapply it. An afternoon of yard work may call for a different protection time than a full day out on the property. EPA-registered insect repellents have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness when applied as directed, making the registration and label helpful starting points as you compare options. For children, always check age restrictions and have an adult handle application. Getting the most from insect repellent takes a little planning before you step outside. Apply personal insect repellents only to exposed skin or clothing as the label directs, keeping them away from eyes, mouths, cuts and irritated skin. Never apply repellent beneath clothing, and don’t put products labeled only for clothing or gear directly on your skin. If you’re also wearing sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second, following each label’s reapplication directions. Long pants, long sleeves and tick checks after outdoor chores add another layer of protection, while emptying standing water around the yard helps reduce mosquito breeding spots. Keep personal bug repellent separate from fly control and insect protection products intended for livestock, pets or premises; those labels are not interchangeable. Matching your mosquito and tick protection to the job, then following application and storage directions, helps you spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time swatting.