Mosquitoes are not only irritating insects that make it hard for people to enjoy outdoor activities, they also carry diseases. Kids are especially vulnerable to mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit.

Therefore, it’s important to use effective mosquito repellents to keep these pesky insects away. In this article, we’ll discuss the top ten effective mosquito repellents for kids.

1. DEET

DEET is a popular ingredient in many mosquito repellent products. It has been shown to be an effective repellent against mosquitoes. However, DEET is a strong chemical that can cause skin irritation and other adverse reactions in some users.

It’s important to follow the instructions on the product label when using a repellent containing DEET.

2. Picaridin

Picaridin is a newer ingredient in mosquito repellents that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It has been found to be as effective as DEET at repelling mosquitoes, but it doesn’t have the same potential risks associated with DEET.

Picaridin is also less likely to damage clothing and outdoor gear. Look for products that contain 20% or more of Picaridin.

3. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is a plant-based repellent that has been found to be effective against mosquitoes.

It’s important to note that this is not the same as “lemon eucalyptus oil,” which is an essential oil that is not registered with the EPA and has not been proven to be an effective mosquito repellent. Look for products that contain at least 30% of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

4. IR3535

IR3535 is another mosquito repellent ingredient that has been on the market for several years. It’s a synthetic amino acid that has been found to be effective at repelling mosquitoes.

It also has a low toxicity profile, making it a safer choice for kids. Look for products that contain at least 20% of IR3535.

5. Permethrin

Permethrin is a chemical that can be used to treat clothing and gear to repel mosquitoes. It’s not applied directly to the skin. When clothing is treated with permethrin, it can remain effective for several washings.

Permethrin-treated clothing can be especially useful for kids who will be spending time in heavily infested areas. Look for clothing and gear that has been treated with permethrin or use a permethrin spray to treat them yourself.

6. Citronella

Citronella is a plant-based oil that is often used in candles and other products to repel mosquitoes. While it’s not as effective as some of the other ingredients on this list, it can still provide some protection against mosquitoes.

Citronella candles and other products can be a good option for kids who will be sitting in a specific area for an extended period of time.

7. Lavender

Lavender is another plant-based oil that has been found to repel mosquitoes. Like citronella, it’s not as effective as some of the other ingredients on this list, but it can still provide some protection.

Lavender-scented products may also have a calming effect on some kids.

8. Neem oil

Neem oil is a plant-based oil that has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine. It has been found to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

It’s important to note that neem oil can be irritating to the skin and should be diluted before use. Look for products that contain at least 20% neem oil.

9. Essential oils

Several essential oils have been found to have mosquito-repelling properties, including peppermint, tea tree, and lemongrass.

While they may not be as effective as some of the other ingredients on this list, they can still provide some protection against mosquitoes. Essential oils should always be diluted before use and should never be applied directly to the skin.

10. Garlic

Some people claim that eating garlic can help repel mosquitoes. While there is some anecdotal evidence to support this claim, there hasn’t been any scientific research to back it up.

Additionally, eating large amounts of garlic can cause strong body odor, which may actually attract mosquitoes.

Conclusion

There are many effective mosquito repellents for kids available on the market. When choosing a repellent, it’s important to consider the active ingredient, the concentration of that ingredient, and any potential side effects.

It’s also important to follow the instructions on the product label for best results.