**A repellent containing DEET or picaridin, labelled for your child’s age, is a sensible choice when dengue is a concern.** Combine it with window screens, protective clothing and mosquito netting. CDC considers registered repellents safe and effective when used as directed. [CDC guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/index.html)

The safety claims you found need some context:

- **DEET:** EPA’s assessment found that normal use according to the label does not present a health concern, including for children. Skin irritation can occur. The concentration mainly affects how long protection lasts. [EPA assessment](https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet)
- **Citronella:** The claim that inhaling citronella repellent causes lung cancer in people is not established. Its cancer potential has not been adequately studied, and it can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Many essential-oil repellents provide only brief protection, which makes them a less dependable choice for dengue prevention. [National Pesticide Information Center](https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/citronellagen.html), [American Academy of Pediatrics](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Insect-Repellents.aspx)

When buying, check **the active ingredient, age restrictions, stated protection time and approval by your country’s regulator**. In the US, look for an EPA registration number. Picaridin—also called icaridin—is an effective alternative to DEET. For young children, CDC’s travel guidance describes 20–30% DEET applied sparingly as a prudent option; the individual product’s label governs its use. For newborns or premature babies, use clothing and netting and discuss skin repellents with their clinician. CDC advises avoiding oil of lemon eucalyptus/PMD in children under three. [CDC guidance for children](https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/family-travel/traveling-safely-with-infants-and-children.html)

Apply it yourself:

- Use only enough to cover exposed skin; keep it off hands, eyes, mouth, cuts and irritated skin.
- Apply it to your hands first when treating the child’s face.
- Choose a lotion, stick or unpressurised spray to control application; avoid breathing spray mist.
- Follow the label’s reapplication instructions and wash treated skin when protection is no longer needed.
- Use separate sunscreen and repellent: sunscreen first. [AAP application advice](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Insect-Repellents.aspx)

For your house, **mosquitoes can enter from neighbouring areas even when you have removed breeding sites**. Repair door and window screens, keep doors closed, and use mosquito netting over strollers and sleeping areas. Check water-holding containers weekly, including flowerpot saucers and vases; empty and scrub them to remove eggs. Persistent indoor mosquitoes warrant help from building management or a pest-control professional. [CDC home-control guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/mosquito-control-at-home.html)

Dengue-carrying mosquitoes can bite during the day, so include daytime naps in your protection plan. Repellent bracelets and ultrasonic devices have no proven protective effectiveness. Avoid burning mosquito coils indoors around children because their smoke contributes to harmful indoor air pollution. [CDC dengue prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/prevention), [AAP](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Insect-Repellents.aspx), [WHO](https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/336889/WHO-HSE-PHE-AMR-08.01.05-eng.pdf?sequence=1)

How old are your children, and which country do you live in? Those details help narrow the suitable products and age limits.