DEET formulations as high as 50% are recommended for both adults and children over 2 months of age. Protect infants less than 2 months of age by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit.
When using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and then repellent. Repellent should be washed off at the end of the day before going to bed.
Wear long-sleeved shirts which should be tucked in, long pants, and hats to cover exposed skin. When you visit areas with ticks and fleas, wear boots, not sandals, and tuck pants into socks.
Inspect your body and clothing for ticks during outdoor activity and at the end of the day. Wear light-colored or white clothing so ticks can be more easily seen. Removing ticks right away can prevent some infections.
Apply permethrin-containing (e.g., Permanone) or other insect repellents to clothing, shoes, tents, mosquito nets, and other gear for greater protection. Permethrin is not labeled for use directly on skin. Most repellent is generally removed from clothing and gear by a single washing, but permethrin-treated clothing is effective for up to 5 washings.
Be aware that mosquitoes that transmit malaria are most active during twilight periods (dawn and dusk or in the evening).
Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened housing, and/ or sleep under an insecticide treated bed net. Bed nets should be tucked under mattresses and can be sprayed with a repellent if not already treated with an insecticide.
Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Do not apply repellent to skin that is under clothing.
Heavy application is not necessary to achieve protection.
Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas; do not inhale the aerosol.
Do not apply aerosol or pump products directly to the face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth.
When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on the child. Avoid the child's eyes and mouth and apply sparingly around the ears.
Do not apply repellent to children's hands. (Children tend to put their hands in their mouths.)
Do not allow children <10 years old to apply insect repellent to themselves; have an adult do it for them. Keep repellents out of reach of children.
Protect infants 2 months of age by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit
Bed nets, repellents containing DEET, and permethrin should be purchased before traveling and can be found in camping, sporting goods, and travel clinics. Overseas, permethrin or a similar insecticide, deltamethrin, may be purchased to treat bed nets and clothes.
Our acknowledgement to CDC & WHO
