Use mosquito and tick repellent properly.
Mosquito and tick repellent
Content:
Mosquito and tick repellents can be harmful if used incorrectly. A good way to protect yourself is to use alternatives to these agents whenever possible, such as mosquito nets and ordinary clothes. If you want to use mosquito and tick repellents, you need to read the information on the packaging so that you know how to use the products safely.
Mosquito and tick repellents can contain substances that irritate the eyes and sensitive skin. The agents can also be harmful to health if used incorrectly.
Advice on mosquito and tick repellent
- A good way to protect yourself is to use alternatives to mosquito and tick repellents whenever possible, such as mosquito nets and ordinary clothes.
- Only use mosquito and tick repellent when they are absolutely necessary.
- One way to reduce skin irritation is to avoid skin contact. Many agents can be just as easily applied to clothing instead of the skin.
- Read and follow the instructions for use to ensure that you handle the product safely.
- If you want to use the product on children, it is important that you look for the recommended age limit on the packaging.
- Only buy products that are approved by the Swedish Chemicals Agency.
- Store the agents out of reach and sight of children.
Use approved agents
Mosquito and tick repellent must be approved by the Swedish Chemicals Agency. Approved agents always have a four-digit registration number and are divided into three authorisation classes. Products marked Class 3 may be used by the general public. In the Pesticides Register ( in Swedish only)
External link., you can check the registration number and see if the product is approved, what class it belongs to and find other important information.
Natural is not the same as harmless
Some agents that are not approved by the Swedish Chemicals Agency are based on so-called “natural substances”, which in some cases means that they are based on essential, volatile oils. But natural does not necessarily mean harmless, and the oils can cause harm, such as hypersensitivity or allergic reactions. Make sure that the chemical pesticides you buy are approved by the Swedish Chemicals Agency.
Your right to information
If you buy a tick or mosquito repellent on the internet, you always have the right to receive all hazard information about the product before you make the purchase. Keep in mind that other countries may have other regulations, but any agents that are to be used in Sweden must follow Swedish regulations.
The Swedish Chemicals Agency finds no reason to advise against the use of approved mosquito and tick repellents by pregnant women when other methods do not provide sufficient protection.
In case of an accident
Call 112 and request Poisons Information if someone has ingested a substance that can cause injury or poisoning or if someone gets such a substance on their skin.