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Repellents: Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks and Other Arthropods

About Insect Repellents

Types of insect repellent containers
  • What is an insect repellent?
  • Disease risk from mosquito and tick bites
  • Ingredients in skin-applied repellents
  • Regulation of skin-applied repellents

Choosing and Using Repellents

Applying insect repellent spray to arm
  • Finding a repellent that is right for you
  • Using repellents safely and effectively

Repellency Awareness Graphic

Three symbols for insect repellents showing protection times for ticks and mosquitoes
  • About the repellency awareness graphic
  • How to apply for repellency awareness graphic 

Other Tips to Prevent Bites

Emptying a container filled with water
  • Mosquitoes
  • Ticks
  • Repellent-treated clothing

News and Blogs

  • Using Repellent Products to Protect against Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
  • Federal Trade Commission Action on Deceptive Marketing of Mosquito Repellent Wrist Band
  • Joint Statement on Repellents from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Zika Information

For current information on the Zika virus, please visit the CDC Zika Virus website. CDC also has information on:

  • mosquito control including preventing mosquito bites; and
  • the use of aerial spraying. 

Related Information

  • Mosquito control
  • American Mosquito Control Association 
  • Find more pesticide information
Get pesticide email alerts

Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on August 24, 2022
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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