History FAQs Prevention » Repellents		Repellents Selecting a Repellent There are two types of repellents to consider, DEET-based or plant-based. While DEET-based repellents have been proven safe and effective since 1957, new advances in the plant-based arena now provide consumers with more options. Natural Repellents If you're not comfortable using DEET, there are alternatives. While citronella candles are some of the most common, they are really only effective under windless conditions and have not been proven to provide long-lasting protection. A more effective alternative is the oil found in the leaves of Eucalyptus Citriodora tree. This oil is new to the U.S. in 2002 from the makers of Repel insect repellents. Called Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, the lotion repellent is EPA approved and is the first plant-based insect repellent proven to be effective against mosquitoes and ticks for up to six hours. And, because it's derived from Lemon Eucalyptus, it is safe to use on the whole family. DEET Repellents DEET was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1946. DEET has been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as an approved active ingredient since 1957. The EPA estimates that more than 38% of the US population uses a DEET-based repellent each year. Worldwide use exceeds 200 million people annually. When applied to skin, DEET volatilizes and forms a vapor barrier around your skin, this barrier blocks mosquito antennae receptors, making you invisible to bugs. The DEET Myth: Higher Concentration means Stronger Protection The higher the percentage of DEET in a product, the LONGER the product repels insects. A high DEET level does NOT mean that it repels bugs BETTER; it means that it repels bugs LONGER. What DEET Level is Right for You? Lower Concentration 5-10% DEET Appropriate for 2-4 hours of outdoor exposure or insect infestation is minimal. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that products used on children contain no more than 10% DEET and should not be used at all on children under the age of two. Medium Concentration 10-30% Appropriate for 3-5 hours of outdoor exposure Higher Concentration 30-100% Appropriate for prolonged exposure to areas of high insect infestation. High concentration products are also ideal for people who are more prone to insect bites. Great for hunting, fishing and other longer duration outdoor activities. Find Out More For more information on West Nile Virus and how to prevent infection, visit the following web sites: WPC Brands @ Repel Insect Repellent http://www.wpcbrands.com/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q&a.htm National Pesticide Information Center http://ace.orst.edu/info/npic/wnv/ U.S. Geological Survey http://cindi.usgs.gov/hazard/event/west_nile/west_nile.html	Check out the latest in innovative outdoor protection for the family and the sportsman from Repel.