Summer’s official start is right around the corner and with it comes an increase of pesky insects. State Health Department officials are warning against lathering on too much insect repellent. IDPH Medical Director Patricia Quinlisk says a little spray goes a long way. “You want to use the lowest concentration that you need,” she explains. “Concentrations don’t tell you how well they work, they tell you how long they’re going to last.”
Quinlisk also emphasizes that a majority of in sect repellents are primarily chemicals and reminds users that you “don’t want them on your skin any longer than absolutely necessary”. She recommends showering after using repellent to assure it has completely left the skin.
When selecting a repellent Quinlisk says that any spray with the active ingredient DEET should do the trick. And while its limited use is safe for most adults and children, applying any type of repellent on babies is not recommended.
Aaron Sprengeler is a UNI student and a summer intern for IPR.
