Mosquito Repellents for Babies and Kids - SAFE or NOT SAFE?
Mosquitoes are pesky and irritable but more importantly they can be carriers of multiple diseases. This makes it even more necessary to stay protected, especially for kids and babies.
While carrying out our mosquito treatments, we often meet moms concerned about which mosquito repellents to use for their babies. In this article we answer all your questions with supporting research and facts.
Considering different mosquito repellents available
The market provides a huge selection of repellents, all of which claim to be the best. It is up to you to figure out which ones are the safest for your kid.
Mosquito Coils
Coils and incense sticks are burned to release an odorous smoke that drives away mosquitoes. However, it isn't only mosquitoes that are harmed by this. The smoke can cause respiratory irritation in kids. Babies have sensitive and underdeveloped lungs. If inhaled, the carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes from the coil smoke can trigger an adverse reaction. If your kid already has asthma or other respiratory problems, its best you steer clear of coils.
Verdict :NOT SAFE
Mosquito Repellent Lotions
Lotions contain chemicals like DEET, picaridin or IR3535. These chemicals are active ingredients that protect the baby against mosquitoes. Apply on exposed skin and they should keep your tiny human safe!
DEET has been used for over five decades without any reports of harm, but it is still suggested that you use products with lower concentrations for kids. A 10% DEET lotion is just as effective as a 30% DEET lotion. The only difference lies in the length of the time of protection.
Make note of the fact that DEET is toxic to pets and can damage fabrics and plastic.
To combat this Picaridin was launched. Relatively recent, picaridin is nontoxic, non-greasy and a safer alternative to DEET.
IR3535 is another chemical that repellent manufacturers use. It is safe but doesn't provide long lasting protection.
Verdict - SAFE
NOTE - DO NOT USE ON BABY UNDER 2 MONTHS.
Liquid Vaporizer
Liquid vaporizers come with a mat that can be plugged in to disperse the vaporized repellent into the room. The liquids usually contain allethrin, prallethrin and permethrin to repel mosquitoes.
Allethrin is toxic on contact with skin, but elicits a negligible toxic reaction when inhaled. Prallethrin and Permethrin are known to have low toxicity to mammals. There is no evidence that they could be potential toxins for babies.
While this seems to indicate safety, we still suggest you proceed with caution. Lack of research leaves us more unsure than satisfied. You can use the vaporizer before bringing the baby into the room. Do not place the mat near the baby's bed.
Verdict - MOSTLY SAFE
NOTE - DO NOT USE NEAR BABIES UNDER TWO MONTHS OLD
Mosquito Repellent Sprays
Aerosol sprays contain compounds similar to the vaporizers. Chemicals like deltamethrin are dissolved in a volatile solvent. Sprays work faster than vaporizers but do make sure to always wear a mask to prevent inhalation of the aerosol droplets or you might be risking carbon monoxide poisoning.
Verdict - NOT SAFE
Mosquito Repelling Essential Oils
The topical medicine market never runs out of insect repellent essential oils but whether or not they are effective, remains to be seen.
Cedar, citronella and rosemary oil is sold as mosquito repellents but research rendered them ineffective. Lemon Eucalyptus was the only essential oil to provide sufficient protection but Lemon Eucalyptus oil has a composition too potent for a baby's sensitive skin.
Verdict - NOT SAFE AND INEFFECTIVE
Mosquito Repelling Patches and Fabric Roll-on
Mosquito repellent patches, bands and bracelets are laced with insecticide to keep the mosquitoes at bay. With time the patches become less effective and the insecticide evaporates into the air.
Fabric roll-ons are like deodorant but with insecticides. The composition of the chemicals used is similar to that of the repellent lotions.
Since the patches or bands are potential choking hazards, it is advised to stick them onto something that is close to the baby but also inaccessible.
Verdict - SAFE (CHECK INGREDIENT LIST FOR ALLERGENS)
Mother Nature’s Pest & Lawn understands how essential it is for you to keep your little ones safe. We provide you with the most effective mosquito treatments in Oklahoma City. Reach out to our Mosquito control service for a thorough inspection. Soon after, we can start the treatment and get your home free of those blood sucking fiends.
