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Mosquito sprays
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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Insects are the most numerous group of animals on our planet. Among them, there are harmful and even dangerous ones. Small midges disturb with buzzing, painful bites, and carry pathogens of infectious and parasitic diseases. To protect themselves from annoying and unsafe neighbors, humanity has invented many chemicals, including quite poisonous ones.
Popular preparations are mosquito sprays with repelling properties. They are applied to the skin or clothing, depending on the situation.
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Indications for use
Indications for use – repelling bloodsuckers in homes and natural environments:
- the presence of mosquitoes in the house, office
- going to the country house, to the forest, to a pond
- staying near the sea
- hunting or fishing
- hiking trips (especially overnight ones).
Strong preparations are sprayed on clothes, more gentle ones - on the skin. Viscous oil-based sprays do not wash off, they repel bloodsuckers for several days. Water-based products are good because they allow the skin to breathe, but they wash off quickly, so they are more suitable in dry weather.
Pharmacodynamics
The main active ingredients of repellents are pesticides DEET (diethyltoluamide), ethyl ester of toluic acid, carboxylate, oxamate and rebemide. The pharmacodynamics of mosquito sprays with such components consists in the destruction of the human body odor that attracts insects and their repelling.
Natural essential oils enrich sprays with moisturizing, softening, aromatic and other beneficial properties.
Water dissolves the ingredients and moisturizes the skin.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of mosquito sprays is poorly understood. Repellents are formulated to meet a specific need: to provide a protective effect on the skin without penetrating into the deep layers of the skin and blood vessels.
Mosquito Spray Names
All manufacturers of household chemicals have products against harmful midges in their arsenal. There are also folk recipes for such products.
Names of mosquito sprays:
- Dry aerosol Off!
- Gardex-family
- Mosquitall
- Picnic is super
- Picnic baby
- Mi&Ko spray "Lavender"
- Komarex Intensive
- Reftamide maximum
- LAFES organic for children from 0 months.
- Homemade sprays based on essential oils.
Gardex
Gardex offers a wide range of protective products - for use on holiday, in offices and residential premises. Some products protect not only from insects, but even from small rodents.
Mosquito spray Gardex baby is a high-quality aerosol for children's skin, taking into account its characteristics. Protects the skin from mosquitoes (10 days), ticks (15 days), prevents allergic reactions.
Gardex spray is harmless for children from two years old who constantly live in the bosom of nature in the summer. It is important to use the spray correctly:
- do not use more than twice a day
- apply with special care
- Not recommended for children under 2 years of age, expectant mothers and during breastfeeding.
Mosquitall (mosquitol)
The variety of products under the Moskitol brand allows you to choose a repellent for all occasions:
- with a mild action - for children
- universal – for the whole family
- enhanced action – for use in extreme natural conditions.
The color scheme of the cylinders' design helps to understand the assortment.
Mosquito spray "Protection for adults. For outdoor recreation" is useful for the whole family. Repels mosquitoes and other small creatures for four hours. Smells fresh, contains calendula extract.
Picnic
- “Picnik” (Picnic) Family
Protects parents and children (from five years). An indispensable mosquito spray for those who want to relax in a beautiful place full of bloodsuckers. Components - DEET, clove essential oil, chamomile extract. Active for up to three hours, does not stain clothes. Items packed in polyethylene retain their repelling properties for a week.
- Picnik Family aerosol
Protects against flying and non-flying insects. Approved for use by children from five years of age. Provides the highest category of effectiveness on fabrics (clothes, curtains, nets, hammocks, tents), the second category - on the body. The period of effectiveness, respectively, is 5 days and 3 hours.
- Picnik bio active with andiroba oil
- another chemical preparation of this brand.
Picnic baby
Mosquito spray Picnic baby is a new generation product for children from one year old, waterproof, hypoallergenic. It has the highest degree of efficiency. Contains plant extracts useful for the baby. On the skin, the active effect lasts for about two hours, on clothes - 5-7 days.
Adults must take extra care when protecting children from insects to ensure their health and safety.
Off spray
Aerosol Off! Extreme provides long-term protection against small insects: on the body - from four hours, on fabrics - up to a month (against ticks - for five days). Contains 30% diethyltoluamide.
To repel mosquitoes, spray the product on clothing from a distance of 20 centimeters (no more than once every three days); treatment against ticks is carried out at the rate of 20 seconds per 1 sq. m, especially carefully - in places where bloodsuckers may appear. Hands are washed thoroughly after use.
Off! The spray is not recommended for children, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you have a tendency to allergies. The cans are dangerous for children and curious teenagers. Therefore, they should be kept away from children and the precautions indicated on the packaging should be observed.
Mosquito repellent spray
The formula of the mosquito repellent spray guarantees repelling of blood-sucking insects, does not contain fragrances, does not leave a feeling of greasiness after use. The packaging of the repellent is also very practical.
The contents of the PET bottle are sprayed from a distance of 15–20 cm. There is no need to rub the substance in.
When using mosquito spray, you must:
- do not spray on mucous membranes or problem areas of the skin
- In case of accidental carelessness, rinse these areas thoroughly with water.
DEET
Full name – diethyltoluamide; DEET in varying quantities is contained in most repellents produced around the world. These indicators are also affected by additional components. The packaging usually indicates the maximum protection time, which is also affected by humidity, temperature, wind and other factors.
The world-famous substance DEET does not pose a direct threat when used with caution. However, the chemical causes a number of side effects:
- irritates the eyes
- causes rash, soreness, blisters on the skin
- toxic to some fish species, plankton
- has a negative effect on nerve cells.
Due to its high toxicity, DEET mosquito spray is applied only to clothing. Children under six years of age are not allowed to use it in this way. Clothes should be washed immediately after use. It should not be used more often than stated in the instructions or constantly.
At temperatures of +25 degrees and above, the properties of the spray change: it becomes ineffective or even more toxic. It is better not to use it in extreme heat.
When choosing inexpensive DEET, you need to be aware of the risks in order to minimize them or choose an alternative.
My sunshine
"My Sunshine" is a special mosquito spray to protect very young children. It is effective against blood-sucking insects, as well as wasps and flies; it is hypoallergenic.
"My Sunshine" is used:
- on the body - apply with the palms
- on things - spray from 10 - 15 cm.
The active substance acts for two hours, after which the procedure can be repeated.
When using it, you need to know:
- should not be used by children under one year of age, expectant mothers, or breastfeeding women
- Do not allow children to use the spray on their own or for other purposes.
- use no more than three times a day
- Avoid spraying into eyes, mouth, or on scratched skin.
Children's mosquito spray
Children are especially susceptible to attacks by bloodsuckers due to the thinness and delicacy of their skin.
- Masque baby aqua
Children's mosquito spray of this brand is produced taking into account scientific research, based on an innovative recipe, without any dangerous effect on the child's body. Recommended for children from one year old.
The product is toxicologically safe. The Masgue baby aqua line is registered as a pharmaceutical substance and is sold in pharmacies or children's stores. Increased requirements are also imposed on the tightness of the cans.
This brand's mosquito repellent lotion spray contains pure water, natural essential oils, chamomile and calendula extracts, which soften and moisturize children's skin.
To protect a sleeping child from aggressive insects for several hours, it is enough to spray the stroller and cover.
- Other mosquito repellent sprays for kids
- Gardex baby spray against mosquitoes from 1 year
- Gardex aerosol family from 12 years
- Green factor mosquito spray from 5 years
- Lebensformel spray for children from 1 year
- Lebensformel spray from 3 years
- Moskitol mosquito spray "Gentle protection" from 3 years
- Moskitol mosquito spray for ages 5 and up
- Picnic baby mosquito spray from 1 year
Make your own spray: add 30 drops each of lavender and geranium oil to a spray bottle of water.
How to use mosquito sprays
The rules and methods of using mosquito sprays are indicated on the labels. They must be strictly followed.
Mosquito sprays are products for external use. Some of them are applied to the skin (only for adults), others, more “strong”, are applied only to clothing, twice or three times a day.
- Before use, shake the can; spray vertically onto the body from a distance of 15–20 cm; treat clothing until slightly damp.
- Another way to use is to spray on your palms, apply evenly (but do not rub) to the areas you want to protect with your hands. Be sure to wash your hands after the procedure.
Clothes, tents, curtains in the house should be sprayed from a distance and allowed to dry (taking into account the wind direction, so as not to inhale the repellent). The effect of chemicals on clothes lasts for a week or more if they are kept in a plastic bag.
When using sunscreen, spray on top. When returning home, wash off the product from the body with warm water and soap.
Smoking is strictly prohibited while working with mosquito sprays.
Using mosquito repellent sprays during pregnancy
It is better to avoid using mosquito sprays during pregnancy. After all, the ingredients of repellents have toxic, allergic, skin-irritating properties and can threaten the health of the woman and the fetus.
If there is no alternative, since insect bites are also dangerous for a pregnant woman, then from the many offers you should choose the least harmful option. Some tips when choosing mosquito sprays:
- Choose a high-quality product with poorly absorbed components (DEET, Taiga, Oxaphthalate - based on dimethyl phthalate).
- Relatively safe mosquito sprays during pregnancy are preparations for children under 3 years of age.
- Apply in smaller quantities than when not pregnant.
- Do not repeat several times unless absolutely necessary.
- Avoid overdose. Test for adverse reactions.
- When lubricating the skin with your hands, avoid contact with mucous membranes, scratches and other problem areas.
- After application, wash your hands thoroughly; after use, wash all treated areas.
- Use only if the discomfort and risk of bites outweighs the unwanted effects of use.
Contraindications for use
Contraindications for use:
- special sensitivity to components;
- tendency to allergies;
- irritated, damaged skin;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- childhood and adolescence.
These cases require consultation with a specialist. Even natural mosquito spray for children should be used in small concentrations and with special care. Do not treat hands, skin around the eyes and mouth of children, so that they do not lick or rub their eyes.
Do not allow children to use the spray on their own, do not spray it near children, in closed rooms, or on synthetic fabrics or plastic products (as some chemicals can dissolve them).
For sensitive skin, apply a test portion first.
Do not use mosquito sprays on animals to prevent chemicals from entering their bodies when they lick their fur.
Side effects
DEET (diethyl phthalate) is a odor fixative in perfumery, some consider it the most dangerous substance. Phthalates have a negative effect on fetal development and reproductive organs. Some experts are categorically against the use of such products during pregnancy, others allow their use, but only in extreme cases, with a number of warnings and restrictions.
The effect on the body depends on the concentration of the chemical:
- 40% or more may be dangerous.
- 20 – 30% protection for 2 – 3 hours (adults).
- 10 – 15% low protection, recommended for children under three years of age, people prone to allergies, pregnant and lactating women.
Mosquito sprays should not be used constantly, because the poisons are then absorbed into the blood and have a negative effect on the liver.
Overdose
Overdosing on mosquito sprays can cause side effects - allergic reactions, poisoning with characteristic symptoms. It is dangerous if it gets on your face, eyes, mouth, damaged skin. If there are negative symptoms, the product must be washed off your body immediately.
Particular care should be taken when protecting children, taking into account:
- age of the child;
- concentration of active components;
- duration of spray use;
- frequency of treatment of the body, clothing, and household items.
Overdose is extremely dangerous for small children and pregnant women, so you need to protect your mouth and eyes from the spray, and if this happens, take emergency measures, including medical assistance.
To avoid overdose
- When treating clothing, do not apply the spray to the skin;
- that increasing the dosage does not increase the effectiveness, but rather the adverse effects of the chemical.
Interactions with other drugs
There is little information about interactions with other drugs. However, it is known that it is not recommended to apply different brands of mosquito sprays to the same place at the same time.
Storage conditions and shelf life
Storage conditions for mosquito sprays:
- separate from food;
- in a dark, dry place;
- without sunlight, high temperature (over 40 degrees);
- keep away from children and teenagers;
- Do not spray near open flames or hot objects;
- It is prohibited to burn, chop, or break cans;
- Empty packaging should be disposed of with household waste.
The expiration date, along with other useful information, is indicated on the packaging. The standard shelf life of mosquito sprays is 3-4 years.
What is the harm of expired mosquito spray?
The fact that after the expiration date, its chemical composition changes; the drug ceases to be useful, and in the worst case, becomes harmful. Expired mosquito spray can cause:
- dermatitis;
- acne;
- irritation and other manifestations of allergies;
- conjunctivitis;
In order not to risk your health, when purchasing it is important to pay attention to the composition, production date, shelf life and conditions, and other important information.
It is hardly worth stocking up on mosquito sprays. Available household chemicals should be checked periodically and expired ones should be mercilessly sent for disposal.
Effective mosquito sprays
Consumers form ratings of various products with their reviews. For example, here is a list of effective mosquito sprays:
- Aerosol for repelling ticks, flies and mosquitoes Diffusil Repelent Stop Czech Republic
It is even allowed to apply to the face. Activity on the body is 10 hours, on things - up to 3 days. Long-term use is not recommended for children under 10 years old.
- Aerosol for repelling ticks, mosquitoes and flies Diffusil Repelent Stop Czech Republic
A less “strong” product: protects the body for 6 hours, clothes and shoes for 3 days.
- For sensitive skin Diffusil Repelent Kids Czech Republic
Contains aloe, D-panthenol, smells nice, but leaves greasy marks.
- Bens' 100 USA
Protection - 8 hours, a popular product among lovers of hiking, night fishing, hunting. Among the advantages - economical consumption.
- Moskitol
Very effective, no pungent odor or greasy residue mosquito spray.
- Aerosol RAPTOR
In dry, windless weather, it creates a barrier for 8 hours. Surfaces, bushes, window frames, verandas, and insect clusters are treated.
- Aqua spray against mosquitoes OFF!
With maximum protection and cooling effect. Not recommended for small children, pregnant and nursing women.
- Aerosol Smooth&dry Off!
With a dry aerosol effect: dries instantly on the skin, easily washed off after use.
There are no absolutely harmless household chemicals. When choosing a protective spray against mosquitoes, be sure to consider its quality, the concentration of active substances, their safety for people of different ages and health conditions.
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Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Mosquito sprays" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.