Use insect repellents safely. Although the EPA regulates repellents, approving only those that pose no unreasonable adverse effects, several guidelines for the safe use of repellents have been published: a.) Read and follow label directions; b.) Keep all repellents out of the reach of small children; c.) Apply an insect repellent only to exposed skin or clothing, never under clothing, and wash it off your skin as soon as you no longer need protection; d.) Do not get repellents in your eyes, mouth, or in open wounds; e.) Do not put it on the hands of small children who are prone to putting those hands in their eyes or mouth. (Note: DEET-based repellents will dissolve plastic, so carry yours wrapped in a cotton bandanna, sealed in a plastic bag. Any DEET that leaks out stays safely in the bandanna, which can be worn later to help repel insects.)

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