What is the best protection against mosquitoes? 2026

Question

Now that summer is approaching and we don't always sleep at home, I'm worried about mosquitoes. My daughter is now 8 and a half months old and would like to know what type of mosquito repellent we can use not only at home, but also outside.

I have read about ultrasound devices, wipes and the typical electric ones. But I don't know which one is best for the baby and the most effective. I also wanted to know if those that are applied to the skin could be bad if the baby then sucks his hand, arm or feet, for example.

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Cecilia Martinez

Answer

Mosquitoes are attracted by the CO2 that we exhale when breathing, the heat and humidity of the skin. They fly zig zag until they discover that source of attraction and sting. They are also attracted to certain chemicals that appear in sweat that are different from person to person. Repellents, in general, mask all these sources of attraction.

In those areas where a mosquito bite is annoying but the risk of disease is very small or non-existent, gentle measures should be applied, not resorting to exaggerated measures against bites.

For babies who, in general, do not move much, both at home and on the street, the best protection is a mosquito net in the crib or chair (if you live in an area with many mosquitoes).

Repellents to apply to skin or clothing

• The most used and effective is Deet. Its use does not represent a health problem for the general population. The American Academy of Pediatrics has accepted its use in children over 2 months of age at concentrations less than 30%. At this concentration the duration of the effect is 4-5 hours. For parents concerned about its application, it can be used at 10%. Thus, if the child is away from home for a short time, it is used at 10% and if the child is away for more than 4-5 hours, at 20%.
• Lapermethrin should be applied directly to the child's skin as a repellent. Its use is on clothing and is not recommended for babies.
• Lacitronella, used since 1882, exists in the form of cream, gel or candles and can keep mosquitoes away but its action does not last as long as Deet.
• 2% soybean oil can be effective and have a longer effect: an hour and a half compared to the 20 minutes that the action of most natural repellents lasts.
• Lemon eucalyptus oil is used in children under 3 years of age.

Precautions

• Before using any type of repellent, you should always read the instructions and check if it is recommended for children, the duration of its effect, what the ingredient is and when and how to use it.
• Avoid applying it near the eyes, mouth or palms of the hands. If the baby sucks his/her thumb, it should not be applied to the entire hand.
• Apply only to the bare part of the body and use only the strictly necessary amount, applying it best to the palm of your hand and then spreading it over the child's skin.
• Do not use repellents that have sunscreen associated with them.

• If any type of exanthema (skin rash) appears after application, discontinue it and wash the area well.
• When you return home, wash the area where the repellent was applied with plenty of soap and water.
• Soak the clothes more and the skin less. Clothing should be washed before wearing it again.

Should not be used in children

Following the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Repellents with Deet at a higher concentration of 30%
• Repellents with lemon eucalyptus oil in children under 3 years of age
• Do not use repellents on the skin in children under 2 months (skin permeability similar to that of adults appears at 2 months)
• Do not apply to cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
• Do not use under clothing
• Do not use repellents in spray form in closed rooms.
• Do not reapply more than once a day
• In children from 2 to 12 years old, 10% Deet is used.
• From 6 months to two years, parents must decide between wearing light clothing that covers their skin or using repellent.
• In children under 6 months the best option is the mosquito net, just like at home

Electric repellents

• They evaporate a natural or synthetic substance in quantities that are not sufficient to kill the mosquito but drive it away, providing protection. Opinions about its effectiveness are very diverse. If used, they should be placed away from the child's head.

• Electronic repellents emit ultrasounds of a special frequency that repels mosquitoes. There are opinions about its little effectiveness.