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. 2021 May 28;118(21):349–356. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0127

Table 3. Important repellents/insecticides available in Germany.

Active ingredient concentration Repels mosquitoes for up to Age restriction Use during pregnancy
DEET (diethyltoluamide)
30% 6 h From 3 years*1 Insufficient data according to the manufacturer
50% 8 h From 2 years*1
Icaridin
20% 6–12 h From 6 months or 2 years depending on product*1 Possible depending on product (also while breastfeeding)
IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate, EBAAP)
10% 4 h From 2 months Possible
20% 6 h From 1 year Possible
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (e.g., p-menthane-3,8-diol,, PMD)
30% 6 h From 1 year Not specified
Permethrin (insecticide to treat textiles [clothing and bed nets])
2% 4 weeks From 3 years Possible
5% 4 weeks From 3 years Not specified

Overview of important insect and tick repellents available in Germany.

Travelers should read the package leaflet before use. Not all repellents work equally well against mosquitoes, ticks, and bugs. The respective package leaflets provide information on this. The periods of duration of protection indicated for the individual repellents may vary according to environmental and personal factors. It is not uncommon for similar-sounding trade names to disguise different active ingredients. The table provides a non-evaluative selection of possible examples of products on the German market (modified from [23]).

*1 DEET (30–50%) and icaridin are approved for use from as early as 2 months of age in many countries (e.g., Great Britain, USA).