Organic Insecticides | Organic Pesticides | EcoSMART Bug Spray

What is DEET? Effects and Safety

September 21st, 2008 Posted in Organic & Chemical Pesticides

You don’t want to be eaten alive while outdoors; you’d rather enjoy it. Yet, mosquitoes lurk at your family picnics, while ticks wait for you to visit them in the forest while you hike. So, you probably cover up with the proper clothing and apply insect repellent to keep bugs away. About 1/3 of Americans apply the most popular ingredient in repellents, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), each year.

In this article, you will learn about:

• What DEET is
• Products that contain DEET
• Using DEET
• Concerns about DEET
• Alternatives to using DEET

What is DEET?

DEET is an active ingredient in most insect repellents that repel biting insects like mosquitoes, ticks and gnats.

Before it was available to the public, DEET was used in war. The United States government developed this chemical after soldiers experienced the dreadful jungles in World War II.

• In 1946, soldiers used it to protect themselves in areas infested with biting insects.
• In 1957, DEET became available to the public.
• In 1988, controlled-release DEET was introduced to consumers.

What products contain DEET?

DEET comes in all forms of products from sprays to lotions with concentration levels ranging from 4-100%. On the shelves now, there are over 230 products.

There are products for “light” activities, such as at picnics or for short periods of time spent outdoors, and products for “heavy” activities, such as deep-forest hiking and camping.

How do you use DEET?

Proper use of DEET products is essential and will help to ensure there are no damages done, so always follow the directions on a product label.

Keep the following questions in mind while either choosing a product or choosing how much to use:

How Long Will You Be Outside?
DEET’s length of protection depends on the amount of DEET in the product; it will only last an hour or two at lower levels. If you plan on staying outdoors for an extended period of time, you can try a controlled-release product that slowly releases DEET throughout the day, or you can re-apply as needed.

DEET Concentration	Hours of Protection
5-10%	2-4 hours
15%	6 hours
25-30%	up to 8 hours
100%	10+ hours

How Much Skin Will Be Exposed to Biting Insects?
Only apply DEET to exposed skin because it damages certain fabrics such as Spandex and other synthetic fabrics. If you plan on wearing a significant amount of clothing, then you only need enough to cover exposed skin.

What Will the Weather Be Like (e.g. humid, sunny)?
The number of biting insects varies depending on the weather. If it is going to be a hot, humid night, there will be more mosquitoes; and if there are more insects, more repellent is needed.

Will You Be In or Around Water?
Some products are specially made for use in water activities. For optimal effects, re-apply DEET products after being in water.

Who Will the Product Be Applied On (e.g. children, adults)?
A low amount of DEET concentration is recommended for use on children. Also, be careful while using around pets.

Tips for Using DEET Products:

• Use products with a concentration of 15-40% for adults.
• Use products containing no more than 8-10% for children.
• Avoid cuts or open wounds when applying.
• Apply sprays or aerosol forms of DEET in open areas with plenty of ventilation.
• Apply product to hands first, then rub onto face and other sensitive areas.
• Wash skin thoroughly after use before going back inside or touching household objects.
• Be cautious with use on children; do not use on children under 2 months of age.

Concerns About DEET

The controversy over DEET lies in the possible side effects reported with its use. For example, people with sensitive skin are advised to not use it because of strong effects. Also, six cases of DEET poisoning in small children have been reported due to its repeated use or ingestion. Household pets are sensitive to DEET products, too.

Here are some tips to follow while using it around your pets:

• Stay away from your pet while applying DEET on yourself.
• Wash your hands and skin before making contact with your pet after usage.
• Clean your pet’s water bowl after spraying a DEET product.

Experts do not recommend the use of mosquito repellents that contain DEET on animals. Pets such as dogs and cats are extremely sensitive to it and can develop neurological problems if a product containing this chemical is applied on them.

Ingestion of DEET affects a cat or dog’s liver and can be carried throughout the whole body. In several cases, DEET toxicity has caused vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even seizures.

So, talk to your veterinarian about alternative ways to safely protect your pet from insects. For example, some topical flea controls repel not only fleas, but also mosquitoes.

Also, be sure to give your pet Heartworm preventative, since mosquitoes transmit Heartworms.

Alternatives to Using DEET

New ingredients that are less harmful than DEET have been developed, such as:

• Picaridin: similar to DEET, but with less side effects.
• Organic plant oils

A Safe, Effective Alternative

Go completely natural to avoid unknown ingredients or synthetic chemicals. With EcoSMART’s Natural Insect Repellent, you can fight nature with, well…nature. This organic pesticide uses natural plant oils to keep biting insects away for hours. EcoSMART’s repellent is easy and safe to use around the whole family, including pets. Repel insects from your home.

Kacey Wherely