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Insect Repellents: Use and Effectiveness

Updated: September 16, 2009

Effective insect repellents are an important tool to protect people from serious mosquito- and tick-borne disease. In the United States, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. Ticks can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Ehrlichiosis.

To help protect yourself from insect-borne diseases, it is important to understand the protection provided by insect repellents. In combination with other preventive actions, using insect repellents is an effective method of discouraging ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects from landing on treated skin or clothing.

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Choosing an Insect Repellent: What Product is Right for Me?

To make the most informed risk reduction and health protection decision, look for EPA-registered products that provide protection time information on the product label. Key points to remember when selecting an insect repellent include:

The best self-protection decisions are made after fully considering all relevant information. Product-specific information about the active ingredient, percentage of the active ingredient in the product, and the protection time allows the consumer to make a more informed decision. Protection times found on product labels are based upon information formally submitted to EPA by manufacturers using approved testing methodology. Learn more about pesticide active ingredients in insect repellents.

Look for an EPA registration number (EPA Reg. No.) on the insect repellent product label. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the use of products registered by EPA. This registration number means the company provided EPA with technical information on the effectiveness of the product against mosquitoes and/or ticks. Learn more about insect repellent products from the CDC.

For protection over an extended period of time, be sure to use a product with a protection time that fits your level and duration of activity. Keep in mind when using an insect repellent product that the length of time you are protected from mosquito and tick bites can vary depending on a number of factors:

Re-apply repellent according to label instructions. The label on the insect repellent product is your guide to using these products safely and effectively.

Consider non-chemical ways to deter biting insects. Use structural barriers such as window screens or netting, or wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and socks.

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Product Listings and Protection Times

Information is now available on EPA-registered, skin-applied insect repellent products, which includes protection times and active ingredients of products submitted to the Agency for registration. Some of the products listed may not be available in all areas of the United States. Please select from the following links below to view the product information:

Products that Repel Mosquitoes and Ticks

Products that Repel Mosquitoes

While this technical information is based on scientific testing guidelines and approved study methodology, there are variations in the resulting protection times because of differences in the testing conditions.

The product listings contain only skin-applied insect repellent products registered by EPA. All of the products listed bear an EPA registration number. Unregistered, minimum risk products are not included. Learn more about unregistered, minimum risk products.

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Insect Repellents: EPA Registered vs. Unregistered Pesticides

Before they can be marketed, most insect repellents must be registered by EPA. EPA registration of insect repellent active ingredients indicates the materials have been reviewed and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to instructions on the label. Products registered by EPA will display an EPA Registration Number on the product label (for example, 123456-1). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of products containing active ingredients that have been registered by EPA.

There are insect repellent products for sale in the United States that are not currently required to be registered by EPA. In the 1990’s, the active ingredients in these unregistered products were evaluated for safety. At that time, it was determined the active ingredients posed minimal risk to human health in the percentages found in products on the market. EPA is considering whether to re-evaluate these determinations. Examples of these ingredients are cedar oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint and peppermint oil, and soybean oil. Learn more about unregistered, minimum risk products.

In addition, there are some illegal products in the market that neither qualify for the exemptions discussed above, nor are they registered. Repellents that do not bear an EPA registration number have not been evaluated by EPA, and EPA cannot advise consumers about the effectiveness of these products.

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Using Insect Repellents Safely

For the safe and effective use of pesticide products, always read the product label before using the product. Remember these important points:

Other than the precautions listed on the product label, EPA does not recommend any additional precautions for using registered repellents on pregnant or lactating women, or on children.

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More Information about Insect Repellents and Insect-borne Diseases

For more information about public health insect control in your area, contact your state or local health department or cooperative extension service. Other resources for information on public health, disease control, and mosquito control include the following:

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