Do Mosquito Tablets Expire?
WouterWhether you’re camping or just enjoying the outdoors, a bug spray is a must-have. It can help protect you from the bugs, especially those that can be very harmful. However, there are some things to watch out for, such as how long a product’s effectiveness lasts. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to call the company.
One of the most common active ingredients in bug spray is N,N-diethyltoluamide, or DEET. DEET is an extremely stable ingredient, and doesn’t normally have an expiration date. Other popular active ingredients are picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Both of these compounds are relatively stable, though they may lose their effectiveness over time.
IR3535, or ethyl butyl acetylamino propionate, is another common active ingredient. Unlike DEET, IR3535 does have an expiration date, though it is often only 18 months after the manufacturer’s date.
Many of the most popular bug-spray brands contain N,N-diethyltoluamide, but there are also many that use other active ingredients, such as picaridin. Some of these products, such as Off Botanicals, do not have an expiration date, and can be used up to three years after the manufacture date.
There are several ways to tell if a bug spray is expired. Generally, if the odor changes, or if the bottle becomes cloudy or dries out, then it’s time to get rid of the product. You might also see a label on the bottle indicating the company’s phone number. If you have questions, you can call the company and ask for formula-specific information.
