There are several theories on how DEET works to repel mosquitoes, and the science continues to evolve on the specific mode of action. When properly applied, it has virtually no proven adverse health effects, though in rare cases a contact skin rash can result from exposure. DEET containing products are available in a variety of lotions, liquids, and sprays. Th… DEET is short for Diethyltoluamid or N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, a chemical substance that is the active ingredient in many insect repellents. It is widely used to repel biting pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. Essential oils do not provide effective masking or disruption in the receptors and therefore are not considered to be effective against ticks. Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Coconut Oil Compounds Repel Insects Better than DEET. Try. DEET is an approved repellent for skin application, however exposure to high concentrations of DEET can pose some limited health hazards. The 60% product may only last about 5 hours. In limited instances, some people have experienced unwanted side effects such as skin rashes, blisters, and skin irritation, possibly by applying too much repellent and being exposed to very high doses. Recent studies suggest that DEET is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Do not apply to broken or sunburned skin. The EPA has completed several comprehensive assessments of DEET over the years (most recently in 1998) and concludes that repellents containing DEET do not present a health concern as long as consumers follow label directions. Studies have shown picaridin to be as effective as DEET in repelling mosquitoes. It is estimated that more than 200 million people use repellents containing DEET each year. Repels mosquitoes that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue & Chikungunya Viruses. Example: Cutter® Tick Defense™ Sawyer Products Spectrum Brands, Inc. MGK-264 A mosquito repellent and synergist used with DEET in composite repellent formulations (also contains R-326). They are not. Three of the most popular insect repellents are DEET, Permethrin and Picaridin. Based on the study situation, but also during the millions of years of DEET’s use, no significant and lasting negative health effects have been observed in humans. Repel Tick Defense protects against ticks, including deer ticks that may carry Lyme disease. As an example, if a 30% DEET concentration offers satisfactory repellent action for four hours, an assumption that a 60% DEET would last eight hours is not correct. The most significant benefit of DEET is its capability to repel potentially disease-carrying insects including ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and biting flies. This formula also repels mosquitoes that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses. Copyright © 2014–2020, Center for Wilderness Safety Inc. All Rights Reserved. Once the threat of insect/tick bite is over, the repellent should be washed off. There are some points that should be kept in mind while using insect repellents containing DEET. Developed by the U.S. Army in 1946, DEET (N, N-.diethyl-m-tiluamide) is a synthetic chemical that provides one to six-plus hours of complete protection against mosquitoes, depending on its concentration. When applied correctly, DEET forms a vapor barrier at the skin surface that deters mosquitoes from landing on the skin. Experts argue, whether DEET containing repellents are harmful or not during pregnancy. Remains in the air as a mist or vapor when sprayed. Then, purchase essential oils (try Plant Therapy's Insect Shield Synergy Blend or Rose Geranium oil), and make your bug repellent. Unlike DEET, however, picaridin is odorless, non-greasy, and does not dissolve plastics or other synthetics. Insect repellents containing DEET have been approved for use on kids. It is safe for children but there are some guidelines to follow: In many countries that are facing the Zika virus and yellow fever disease, doctors advise pregnant women to use insect repellents containing DEET. Picaridin vs DEET - Which Bug Repellent Is Better? Formulated with 15% picaridin, this repellent can also be applied to your clothing for full coverage. It is used to repel pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and biting flies. The World Health Organization recommends it for protection against tropical diseases such as malaria, zika, yellow fever or dengue fever.  It is safe to use and can be directly applied to the skin. Repel HG-94138 Tick Defense Unscented Aerosol-6.5 ounce: Amazon.in: Garden & Outdoors. It repell mosquitos, ticks, biting gnats and yellow or deer fly. DEET at 30% concentration only provides 8-10 hours of protection against ticks and mosquitos. The manufacturer claims that it also repels black flies, sand flies, chiggers, gnats, fleas and no-see-ums. This unscented aerosol offers strong protection that feels light on skin —so you can focus on all of the outdoor activities you enjoy. This Deet tick spray product from Repel enables you to do precisely that. Please confirm or opt-out at any time. Two detergent washings did not diminish repellent killing action of permethrin-treated clothing. Repel Tick Defense, Aerosol, 6.5-oz. Sorry, not so much. If the temperature is high or the humidity is high, the effectiveness decreases. It effectively repels pests such as mosquitoes and ticks, but it does not kill them. Insufficient time has passed for long-term health risks (should they exist) to manifest themselves. In other words, repellents that include Picaridin 20%, like Ranger Ready, provide longer-lasting protection than similar concentrations of DEET, without the same drawbacks. Most brand-name DEET-based products already have a DEET range from 15% to 33%. The bug spray is available as both a CDC-recommended 30% and max strength 100% DEET formula. That said, DEET has been more widely studied than any other repellent and the EPA reports that using DEET as instructed does not present a … The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that 30–50% DEET be used to stop the spread of pathogens carried by insects. Wash your hands with soap after applying repellents. Select atleast one Pharmacy. This activity may cause neurotoxicity and create a risk to humans. Do not allow children under the age of ten to apply repellent themselves. The excessive reactions may be caused by exposure to the eyes, broken skin, by inhalation, and ingestion. Each year approximately one-third of the U.S. population is expected to use DEET, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Repellents containing DEET should be used only once per day. By Sandra Avant October 31, 2018. It irritates the olfactory organ of bloodsucking insects and makes the wearer invisible to the insect. OFF! Not only does cedar oil repel ticks and other irritating insects, but it kills them. It is manufactured industrially by allowing different organic acids to react with amines.  The chemical formula is C12H17NO, which means that it is a chemical compound of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. The product description also mentioned that it acts for up to eight hours against mosquitoes. It came into civilian use in 1957. DEET based products are available in a wide variety of formulas that can address the very specific needs of the individual traveler, outdoors person, family member and even young children. Many compounds that occur in nature provide a brief period of repellency against certain insects. Repel Tick Defense insect repellent aerosol repels ticks and mosquitoes for up to 10 hours, providing you with lasting protection as you explore the great outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that 30–50% DEET be used to stop the spread of pathogens carried by insects. In any case, you have to weigh the risk-benefit of whether you need and insect repellent. Example: Cutter® Tick Defense™ Sawyer Products, Inc. It is a product that can be applied to exposed skin and on clothes. Sterling, VA  20164 tickrepellent.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The chemical is derived from constituents of chrysanthemum plants and is odorless once applied to clothing and left to air-dry. Been approved for use on children contain 10 % or higher were tested ).. Tick Safety 15 Running Brook Lane Sterling, VA 20164 ( 703 ) 828-4343 a bonus, DEET! When out-of-doors the temperature is high or the humidity is high, the can! Inc. all Rights Reserved health concern not be applied on cuffs, spray socks, hats and clothing... 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