Do Mosquito Wipes Expire?
Generally, insect repellents have a shelf life of three years. However, this depends on the active ingredient in the spray and the formula used.
The most common active ingredients in bug spray include DEET, IR3535, and picaridin. These ingredients are stable, but they lose effectiveness over time. If you find that your repellent has become less effective, it’s time to replace it.
If you aren’t sure how long your bug spray is effective, you can do a test. Squirt a bit of the product onto your hands, then spray it on your face. You can then smell it and check for unusual odors. If the spray is dried out or stale, replace the bottle.
Some types of bug spray are based on essential oils. These natural oils can change over time and may not work as well. If you don’t know what works for you, call the company and ask. They can also give you specific information about the formula.
DEET is the most commonly used chemical in insect repellents. It’s also relatively safe for use on skin. It’s especially effective in deep woods and jungles. If you’re using DEET, it’s best to avoid areas where there’s a high concentration of mosquitoes.
The active ingredients in bug sprays vary, but most of them are approved by the Centers for Disease Control. DEET has a longer shelf life than many other chemicals, and you don’t usually have to worry about an expiration date.