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Is DEET safe for kids?

Yes, DEET is considered safe for children in Canada when used exactly as labelled, but Health Canada sets stricter age and concentration limits than the US: no DEET at all under 6 months, and 10% or less for children 2 to 12.

A Canadian review of the evidence found no proof that DEET raises seizure risk in children when used at recommended concentrations, though historic case reports exist.

Strength of evidence

Good

Supported by consistent Canadian regulatory guidelines, a peer-reviewed evidence review, and an observational biomonitoring study in Canadian children, but no randomized trials directly test child safety outcomes.

What the evidence says

Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society both say DEET-based repellents are fine to use on children when the label directions are followed, but the rules differ from the US. In Canada, infants under 6 months should not have any DEET product applied at all; a mosquito net over the crib or stroller is recommended instead. For children 2 to 12 years old, only products with 10% DEET or less should be used, applied no more than three times a day, avoiding the face and hands, and not used daily for more than a month.

Kids over 12 can use products up to 30% DEET, which is the maximum concentration sold in Canada (the US permits much higher concentrations and has no age cutoff). A widely cited Canadian review in CMAJ looked at old case reports linking DEET to seizures in children and concluded the evidence does not support an increased risk when the product is used as directed. Only a small number of seizure cases were ever reported over decades of DEET use, and none has been published since the early 1990s.

A more recent Health Canada biomonitoring study in children at summer camp found that only tiny amounts of DEET are absorbed and excreted, supporting the view that normal, labelled use is safe. The Public Health Agency of Canada actually prefers icaridin (picaridin) over DEET for children aged 6 months to 12 years, since it works as well and causes less skin irritation. Whatever product you choose, look for a Health Canada Pest Control Product (PCP) number on the label, apply it lightly to exposed skin only, wash it off when back indoors, and put sunscreen on first if you're using both.

Sources

✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC

Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review

Answer checked July 31, 2026

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so this may not apply to you. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. What Founded Parent cannot do

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