Picaridin vs Catnip oil

The same eleven questions, side by side, each answer in the agency's words. No verdict from us: we sell a product built on one of these actives, so the agencies do the talking.

Picaridinicaridin, KBR 3023

Catnip oilNepeta cataria oil

Per EPA's tool

Picaridin

Registered; 55 products in EPA's tool; 3 to 14 h mosquitoes, 5 to 14 h ticks.

Catnip oil

Registered; 4 products in EPA's tool; 7 h mosquitoes; ticks not listed.

What is it, and where does it come from?

Picaridin

A human-made compound, NPIC says, widely used in Europe and Australia, available in the U.S. only since 2005.

Source and detail: NPIC

Picaridin is a human-made compound first made in the 1980s; NPIC's picaridin fact sheet says it was made to resemble the natural compound piperine, found in the group of plants used to produce black pepper. NPIC says it was widely used as an insect repellent in Europe and Australia but has only been available in the United States since 2005.

Picaridin repels insects, ticks and chiggers. It is a human-made (synthetic) compound first made in the 1980s. It was made to resemble the natural compound piperine, which is found in the group of plants that are used to produce black pepper.
NPIC, Picaridin General Fact Sheet

Picaridin has been widely used as an insect repellent in Europe and Australia, but has only been available in the United States since 2005.
NPIC, Picaridin General Fact Sheet

Catnip oil

EPA calls it a refined extract of oil of Nepeta cataria, a mint-family plant also known as catmint.

Source and detail: Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, US EPA

Catnip oil is a refined, multi-component extract of oil of Nepeta cataria, a member of the mint family, according to EPA's December 2008 fact sheet, and EPA's skin-applied ingredients page lists it as Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint. Feaster and colleagues, Journal of Medical Entomology, 2009, state that the essential oil of catmint contains nepetalactones, which on hydrogenation yield dihydronepetalactones.

The active ingredient is a refined, multi-component extract of Oil Nepeta cataria which is a member of the mint family of plants (Labiatae).
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

Catnip oil -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint) (4 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

The essential oil of catmint, Nepeta cataria L., contains nepetalactones, that, on hydrogenation, yield the corresponding dihydronepetalactone (DHN) diastereomers.
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

How does EPA treat it?

Picaridin

Registered since 2001; EPA's 2005 fact sheet says normal use does not present a health concern.

Source and detail: EPA

Registered: EPA's 2005 picaridin fact sheet gives 2001 as the year of initial registration. The same fact sheet says picaridin generally is of low acute toxicity and that, based on the available toxicological data, the Agency believes normal use of picaridin does not present a health concern to the general U.S. population.

Year of Initial Registration: 2001
EPA, New Pesticide Fact Sheet: Picaridin, May 2005

Picaridin generally is of low acute toxicity, and based on the available toxicological data, the Agency believes that the normal use of Picaridin does not present a health concern to the general U.S. population
EPA, New Pesticide Fact Sheet: Picaridin, May 2005

Catnip oil

Registered: EPA lists 4 products; a technical grade registration was granted December 5, 2008.

Source and detail: US EPA

Registered. EPA's skin-applied ingredients page lists catnip oil with 4 products, and EPA's 2008 fact sheet records that on December 5, 2008 the Agency granted registration for a technical grade refined oil of Nepeta cataria product, then the only registered biochemical pesticide product with that active.

Catnip oil -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint) (4 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

On December 5, 2008, the Agency granted the registration for a technical grade Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria product, containing 100% by weight active ingredient. The product mentioned above, is the only registered biochemical pesticide product containing Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria as an active ingredient.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

What strengths are registered, and does strength change protection?

Picaridin

EPA lists products at 5, 5.75, 7, 10 and 20%; CDC says higher concentrations generally protect longer.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, EPA

No EPA page we read states a picaridin percentage range in prose; EPA's 2005 picaridin fact sheet lists registered formulations at 5 and 7 percent (pump sprays), 10 percent (aerosol) and 5.75 percent (towelette wipes), and EPA's repellent search tool lists 20 percent picaridin lotion, spray and wipe products. CDC's Yellow Book says higher concentrations of active ingredients generally provide longer protection, regardless of the active ingredient.

Registered: 96.8% a.i. Technical; 5% & 7% pump sprays; 10% aerosol spray and 5.75% towelette wipes
EPA, New Pesticide Fact Sheet: Picaridin, May 2005

Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion | 14 | 14 | Picaridin | 20 | Sawyer Products | 39967-50-58188
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray | 12 | 12 | Picaridin | 20 | The PIC20 Group, LLC | 93221-1
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Repellent Wipes | 8 | 8 | Picaridin | 20 | Tender Corp. | 56575-14
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

In general, higher concentrations of active ingredients provide longer duration of protection, regardless of the active ingredient. Products with <10% active ingredient might offer only limited protection, often 1-2 hours. Products that offer sustained-release or controlled-release (microencapsulated) formulations, even with lower active ingredient concentrations, might provide longer protection times. Studies suggest that DEET efficacy tends to peak at a concentration of approximately 50% and that concentrations above that do not offer a marked increase in protection time against mosquitoes.
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

Catnip oil

15 percent on the record: a label states 15 percent, and EPA's tool lists a 15 percent lotion.

Source and detail: NPIC, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

15 percent on the record: the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 identifies the active as refined oil of Nepeta cataria at 15.0 percent, and EPA's search tool lists a 15 percent lotion, Refined Oil Of Nepeta Cataria 15% Lotion, under EPA Reg. No. 71654-23. NPIC says higher concentration repellents may protect for longer but are not better at keeping insects away.

Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15.0% Other Ingredients 85.0%
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 03/10/2017

Refined Oil Of Nepeta Cataria 15% Lotion | 7 | X | Catnip Oil | 15 | E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company | 71654-23
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Higher concentration repellents may protect people for longer. However, they are not better at keeping insects away. 5,6,7 Repellents with less than 10% of an active ingredient may only offer protection for short periods of time (1-2 hours).
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

How long does EPA say it protects?

Picaridin

EPA's tool lists one 20% lotion at 14 hours, a spray at 12, wipes at 8.

Source and detail: EPA, U.S. EPA

EPA's repellent search tool lists 20 percent picaridin products by form. Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, EPA Reg. No. 39967-50-58188, lists 14 hours for mosquitoes and ticks; Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, lists 12 hours, and Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Repellent Wipes, EPA Reg. No. 56575-14, lists 8. EPA says protection times vary because testing conditions differ, and that the tool's database was last updated in June 2019.

Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion | 14 | 14 | Picaridin | 20 | Sawyer Products | 39967-50-58188
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray | 12 | 12 | Picaridin | 20 | The PIC20 Group, LLC | 93221-1
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Repellent Wipes | 8 | 8 | Picaridin | 20 | Tender Corp. | 56575-14
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s

While this technical information is based on scientific testing guidelines and approved study methods, there are variations in the resulting protection times because of differences in the testing conditions.
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

Any products listed are for informational purposes only. Inclusion of a product listed/referenced is not an endorsement. * EPA and the U.S. Government do not endorse any product or service. * The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
U.S. EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You

Catnip oil

EPA's tool lists 7 hours for mosquitoes and no tick registration.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

7 hours for mosquitoes, no tick registration: EPA's search tool lists a 15 percent lotion, EPA Reg. No. 71654-23, at 7 hours for mosquitoes and an X for ticks, which the tool's legend defines as not registered for tick protection. EPA says those times were approved for labels from company data, from a database last updated in June 2019. The accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says reapply after 4 to 6 hours or as needed; EPA's 2008 fact sheet says reapplication after six hours will be necessary.

Refined Oil Of Nepeta Cataria 15% Lotion | 7 | X | Catnip Oil | 15 | E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company | 71654-23
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

An "X" indicates that the repellent product has not been registered for protection from ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Reapply after 4 -6 hours (or as needed).
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

For the active ingredient to be effective, reapplication after six hours will be necessary.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

Protection Times - These protection times have been approved for product labels. These times are based on the technical information provided by the company on the effectiveness of the product against mosquitoes and/or ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

The registration number means the company provided EPA with technical information on the safety of the product and its effectiveness against mosquitoes and/or ticks. While this technical information is based on scientific testing guidelines and approved study methods, there are variations in the resulting protection times because of differences in the testing conditions.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

Which pests do accepted labels name, and what does CDC say those pests carry?

Picaridin

A 20% label names mosquitoes, ticks, biting, stable, black and sand flies, gnats, chiggers and Scottish biting midges.

Source and detail: EPA stamped master label

The master label for a 20 percent picaridin spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, claims 12 hour protection from ticks and mosquitoes and up to 8 hours against biting flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats, chiggers, sand flies and Scottish biting midges. The label's bracketed wording on disease is "mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Dengue [Fever], and Zika [Virus] and ticks carrying Lyme disease and tick borne encephalitis."

[Long-lasting, 12 hour effective protection from ticks and mosquitoes including mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Dengue [Fever], and Zika [Virus] and ticks carrying Lyme disease and tick borne encephalitis.] [Repels biting flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats, chiggers, sand flies, and Scottish biting midges for up to 8 hours.]
EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

Picaridin ……………………………………………………………………….……20.00%
EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

Catnip oil

A label names mosquitoes and blackflies; EPA's tool shows no tick registration.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Mosquitoes and blackflies. The EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says the product repels mosquitoes and blackflies for up to 7 hours, and EPA's 2008 fact sheet says the active is intended for a skin-applied repellent to repel black flies, mosquitoes and other biting insects. EPA's search tool shows an X in the tick column for the 15 percent lotion, meaning not registered for protection from ticks.

Repels mosquitoes and blackflies for up to 7 hours.
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

Target pests: The technical grade Hydrogenated Catmint Oil (HCO) is intended for use in the manufacture of a dermal applied insect repellent for direct application to human skin to repel black flies, mosquitoes and other biting insects.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

Refined Oil Of Nepeta Cataria 15% Lotion | 7 | X | Catnip Oil | 15 | E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company | 71654-23
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

An "X" indicates that the repellent product has not been registered for protection from ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

What do the agencies say about children?

Picaridin

No age limit, CDC says; one label's own wording says children 1 year and older.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, EPA stamped master label

CDC's Yellow Book says insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction. The accepted master label for a 20 percent picaridin spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, carries the optional bracketed line "Suitable for every day use on adults and children 1 year and older," one product's wording rather than an agency statement.

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

[Suitable for every day use on adults and children 1 year and older]
EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

Picaridin ……………………………………………………………………….……20.00%
EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

Catnip oil

No minimum age from any agency or label; a label says children must not apply it themselves.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, US EPA accepted label

No minimum age appears on the label or in any agency statement read for this active. The EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says only that children must not be allowed to handle the product or apply it to themselves. CDC's statement that certain actives can be used on children without age restriction names DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and 2-undecanone, and does not mention catnip oil either way.

Do not allow children to handle the product or apply it to themselves.
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

What do CDC and WHO say about pregnancy?

Picaridin

CDC lists it for pregnant and breastfeeding women; NPIC found no human data on reproductive effects.

Source and detail: CDC, NPIC

CDC's Preventing Mosquito Bites page lists picaridin among the active ingredients it names, and says that when used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are "proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women." NPIC's picaridin technical fact sheet states that no human data were found on the teratogenic or reproductive effects of picaridin.

When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. DEET Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the United States)
CDC, Preventing Mosquito Bites (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-16)

Use EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
CDC, Preventing Mosquito Bites (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-16)

No human data were found on the teratogenic or reproductive effects of picaridin.
NPIC, Picaridin Technical Fact Sheet (archived)

Catnip oil

No CDC, WHO or EPA statement found; CDC's pregnancy list of actives does not include catnip oil.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health

No statement from CDC, WHO or EPA on catnip oil and pregnancy was among the sources read. CDC's statement that EPA-registered repellents are proven safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women when used as directed is attached to a named list of actives that does not include catnip oil.

When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If also using sunscreen, always apply insect repellent after sunscreen. DEET Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US) IR3535 Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) Para-menthane-diol (PMD) 2-undecanone
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

What do NPIC and EPA report about absorption and toxicity?

Picaridin

NPIC says under 6% absorbs through human skin; EPA calls it low in acute toxicity.

Source and detail: EPA, NPIC

NPIC says 60 percent of picaridin applied to rat skin went through it, while in humans less than 6 percent was absorbed; both excrete almost all in urine within a day. EPA's 2005 fact sheet says technical grade picaridin has low acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity, Toxicity Category IV for acute inhalation toxicity and primary dermal irritation, and Category III for acute oral and acute dermal toxicity and primary eye irritation.

When researchers applied picaridin to the skin of rats, 60% of it went through the skin. In humans, less than 6% of the picaridin applied to skin was absorbed. Picaridin may be broken down once it is in the body. Rats and humans excrete almost all of it in their urine within a day of exposure.
NPIC, Picaridin General Fact Sheet

Technical grade Picaridin has low acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity. It is classified as Toxicity Category IV for acute inhalation toxicity and primary dermal irritation and Toxicity Category III for acute oral, acute dermal and primary eye irritation.
EPA, New Pesticide Fact Sheet: Picaridin, May 2005

Catnip oil

A label warns of substantial but temporary eye injury; EPA says eye irritation drives its strict application directions.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

The accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says the product causes substantial but temporary eye injury and must not get in eyes or on clothing. EPA's 2008 fact sheet classifies the technical grade active ingredient in Toxicity Category III for acute oral toxicity and primary eye irritation, and Category IV for acute dermal, acute inhalation and skin irritation, and says that eye irritation potential is why the Agency requires stringent application directions.

Causes substantial but temporary eye injury. Do not get in eyes or on clothing.
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

The technical grade active ingredient is classified in Toxicity Category III for acute oral toxicity and primary eye irritation and Toxicity Category IV for acute dermal, acute inhalation and skin irritation.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

Since Hydrogenated Catmint Oil (HCO) has the potential for eye irritation, the Agency is requiring stringent application directions.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

Picaridin

Two labels claim no harm to plastics, fishing line, fabric and gear; no agency statement found.

Source and detail: EPA stamped label, EPA stamped master label

Two accepted 20 percent picaridin labels carry no-damage claims: EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, bracketed, "Won't Damage Fishing Lines, Plastics, or other Synthetic Materials"; EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, "Will [Does] not harm gear and equipment" and "Will [Does] not harm plastics and fabric."

[Won't Damage Fishing Lines, Plastics, or other Synthetic Materials]
EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

18. Will [Does] not harm gear and equipment
EPA stamped label, Associated Registrations Inc. 20% picaridin repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, July 17, 2019

19. Will [Does] not harm plastics and fabric
EPA stamped label, Associated Registrations Inc. 20% picaridin repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, July 17, 2019

Picaridin ……………………………………………………………………….……20.00%
EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018

Catnip oil

A label claims it won't harm plastics, and says do not get it on clothing.

Source and detail: US EPA accepted label

The EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 permits the optional marketing claim that the product won't harm plastics, and the same label says do not get the product on clothing. No agency test of catnip oil on plastics, fabrics or gear was among the sources read.

Won't harm plastics
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, optional marketing language, 03/10/2017

Causes substantial but temporary eye injury. Do not get in eyes or on clothing.
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

What do the agencies say about pets?

Picaridin

Only EPA's general rule applies: nothing on pets unless the label says so.

Source and detail: EPA

No agency or label we read covers picaridin use on pets. EPA tells consumers not to use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.

Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.
EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

Catnip oil

Only EPA's general rule applies: nothing on pets unless the label says so.

Source and detail: EPA, US EPA

EPA's page on using insect repellents says not to use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals. Nothing read from EPA, CDC or NPIC addresses catnip oil repellent and cats or other pets, so that general instruction is the whole of the record.

Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals. Most insect repellents do not work against lice or fleas.
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.
EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

Which studies are on the record?

Picaridin

One trial found 20% picaridin and 20% DEET performed equally, with 97.4% protection over five hours.

Source and detail: Carroll JF, Van Roey K

Van Roey 2014 (PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases) reported an overall five-hour protection rate of 97.4 percent, with picaridin 20 percent performing equally well as DEET 20 percent. Carroll 2010 (Journal of Medical Entomology) found no difference in effectiveness between the 20 percent spray and lotion formulations of picaridin, and concluded that deet, picaridin and IR3535 provided lasting protection against lone star ticks as tested.

Based on a total of 4996 mosquitoes collected on negative control persons, the overall five hour protection rate was 97.4% [95%CI: 97.1-97.8%], not decreasing over time. Picaridin 20% performed equally well as DEET 20% and better than picaridin 10%.
Van Roey K, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2014 Dec 18;8(12):e3326. PMID 25522134

There was no difference in effectiveness between the 20% spray and 20% lotion formulations of picaridin. The 10% IR3535 lotion was significantly less effective than the formulations with higher concentrations of repellent. In the formulations tested, deet, picaridin, and IR3535 provided lasting protection against A. americanum.
Carroll JF, et al. J Med Entomol. 2010 Jul;47(4):699-704. PMID 20695288

Catnip oil

One 2009 trial tested isolated catmint compounds at 10 percent, not the registered products: 3.5 and 5 hours.

Source and detail: Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, US EPA accepted label

Feaster and colleagues, Journal of Medical Entomology, 2009, tested two dihydronepetalactone diastereomers derived from catmint oil at 10 percent: each conferred complete protection from bites for a significant period, 3.5 and 5 hours respectively, the second statistically equivalent to DEET. Those figures are for the isolated compounds at 10 percent, not for the 15 percent refined oil of Nepeta cataria products EPA registers.

Both DHN 1 and DHN 2 at 10% (wt:vol) conferred complete protection from bites for significant periods of time (3.5 and 5 h, respectively), with DHN2 conferring protection statistically equivalent to DEET.
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

The essential oil of catmint, Nepeta cataria L., contains nepetalactones, that, on hydrogenation, yield the corresponding dihydronepetalactone (DHN) diastereomers.
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15.0% Other Ingredients 85.0%
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 03/10/2017

Sources on this page.

18 sources. Every quote was fetched on or before 2026-09-22 and is stored with the page. Last reviewed 2026-09-22. All ten actives.

NPIC, Picaridin General Fact Sheet. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.html
EPA, New Pesticide Fact Sheet: Picaridin, May 2005. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-070705_01-May-05.pdf
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results for picaridin, cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s. https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s/search_results.cfm
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19). https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/environmental-hazards-risks/mosquitoes-ticks-and-other-arthropods.html
EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you
EPA stamped master label, Ranger Ready Repellents Tick + Insect Spray, EPA Reg. No. 93221-1, issued January 9, 2018. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/093221-00001-20180109.pdf
CDC, Preventing Mosquito Bites (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-16). https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/index.html
NPIC, Picaridin Technical Fact Sheet (archived). https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/Picaridintech.html
EPA stamped label, Associated Registrations Inc. 20% picaridin repellent, EPA Reg. No. 54287-22, July 17, 2019. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/054287-00022-20190717.pdf
EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively
Van Roey K, et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2014 Dec 18;8(12):e3326. PMID 25522134. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25522134/
Carroll JF, et al. J Med Entomol. 2010 Jul;47(4):699-704. PMID 20695288. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20695288/
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-004801_29-Dec-08.pdf
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19645285/
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