Comparing DEET vs Picaridin, Picaridin 20% has been proven to provide equal protection against mosquitoes and superior protection against ticks in similar concentrations without the same health concerns. The CDC recommends Picaridin as a safe and effective insect repellent for adults and children over 1-year. Picaridin insect repellent is already the most popular insect repellent in Europe and Australia, and growing exponentially in the United States.
Unlike DEET, Picaridin is not a neurotoxin and is non-corrosive to clothing and materials including plastic, rubber, leather, latex, vinyl, rayon, elastic, spandex, and auto paint. Picaridin is an EPA Registered Repellent as of May 2005. In the US, EPA registration is the best evidence that a repellent is safe for use and effective. EPA registration indicates Picaridin is safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and is the perfect choice for protection against mosquitoes who might carry the Zika virus and West Nile virus.