Why Use DEET?

DEET — chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide — is the active ingredient you'll find in many bug repellents. It works against mosquitoes and ticks as well as other creepy crawlies you'd rather avoid like chiggers and fleas.

DEET was developed by the United States military following nasty encounters of a whole different kind during World War II, when US troops were engaged in jungle warfare. It was approved as an active ingredient in bug repellents for civilian use in 1957. Currently, around 140 different DEET-containing products are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Products than use DEET as their active ingredients do not kill bugs, but rather repel them. These products are suitable for use against ticks and mosquitoes, and protects against tick- and mosquito-borne diseases including Lyme Disease, Dengue Fever, and malaria.

There have been some concerns about the risk of DEET use, however research shows that it is safe for use by both adults and children as long as certain instructions are followed — not only that, DEET has been shown to be an extremely effective mosquito repellent when compared to other products.

Your bug repellent will always come with a package insert that informs you of the risks and provides instructions on correct use. Never simply discard these package inserts, and take a moment to read them to ensure you do not place yourself or your family members at risk.

How To Use DEET-Containing Bug Repellents

In order to be effective, your product needs to contain a DEET concentration of at least 30 percent in adults. Fifty percent concentrates are recommended for those who travel to tropical areas where there is a risk of malaria and other serious mosquito-borne diseases.

It is not necessary to use a higher concentration (though such products are on the market), but DEET is most effective when applied directly to skin — as opposed to clothes, in combination with sun screens, or on skin underneath clothes. Research shows that it's the smell of the chemical that drives mosquitoes away, and localized products such as wrist bands are not effective.

You do not need to use a large amount of DEET for the product to be effective. Stick to small amounts on parts of exposed skin. If you use a spray, never apply it indoors and take care not to inhale. Never spray DEET directly into your face or apply it around your eyes. If you use a gel or cream, wash your hands after application. Also wash the product off after use, and wash any clothes that came into contact with DEET before wearing them again. 

Remember, mosquitoes are most effective from dawn to dusk. In most cases, you will not need to use DEET all day long. Venturing out into nature or visiting tropical areas are the exception. You want DEET to protect you against ticks and mosquitoes in these cases, but you can have a shower after you return inside.