Picaridin is endorsed by the CDC as an alternative to DEET mosquito repellents.
There are many choices for mosquito repellents, and some are more effective than others. Picaridin is an active ingredient in mosquito repellent products approved by the Centers for Disease Control. Does this Spark an idea?
Description
Picardin's chemical name is 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 1-methylpropyl ester. In lay terms, however, it is a colorless, almost odorless liquid added to products at certain concentrations to make them effective mosquito repellents, according to the University of Wisconsin's Integrated Mosquito Management program.
Picaridin and the CDC
Picaridin is one of the few products to make it on the CDC's list of approved mosquito repellents. Picaridin is a recommended alternative to DEET and, like DEET, considered a "conventional repellent," as opposed to a "biopesticide repellent." Picaridin, DEET and the biopesticide repellents, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD and IR3535, are all considered effective.
Picaridin vs. DEET
The University of Wisconsin's Integrated Mosquito Management program states picaridin is just as effective, or nearly as effective, as DEET when used in concentrations of 20 percent. Concentrations between 10 and 20 percent still provide good protection, but lower concentrations need further testing to determine efficacy.
Tags: mosquito repellents, Wisconsin Integrated Mosquito, alternative DEET, Integrated Mosquito, Integrated Mosquito Management, Management program, Mosquito Management