does deet free bug spray work

What is DEET spray and is it safe?

DEET (the chemical name is N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) is the most commonly used repellent, but there are many others. Repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are proven to be safe and effective.

Is DEET an effective tick repellent?

The CDC — along with six of our experts — recommends DEET as an effective tick repellent. “The EPA suggests that any product with DEET should have a concentration between 20 and 30 percent of the active ingredient,” says Molaei.

Is it safe to use DEET?

In general, DEET is well tolerated and safe to use when it’s applied as directed. Over the last several decades, there have been some reports of health problems related to DEET, but they are usually associated with people using it incorrectly or ingesting it (like swallowing it). Most people had temporary symptoms and didn’t require any treatment.

Is DEET harmful to skin?

For some people, when DEET is applied to the skin, especially for an extended period of time, it can cause adverse reactions like redness, rash, swelling and hives. Case studies suggest that some people may be at risk of allergic reactions and even anaphylaxis from exposure to DEET.

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Is bug spray without DEET effective?

Deet-free Mosquito repellants are effective. In fact, many mosquito repellents are made from natural ingredients that are less likely to cause skin irritation. Many of these natural ingredients remain effective for long periods of time as well, giving you time to enjoy the outdoors without continued application.

Why do people want DEET-free?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) explains that in rare instances, a high concentration of “DEET has been reported to impair the nervous system, with symptoms including seizures, tremors, and slurred speech.” EWG added that the chemical might also damage rubber, plastic, and vinyl on clothing and other accessories.

How long does DEET-free bug spray last?

Picaridin — a common alternative to DEET — also has a nearly endless shelf life, and IR3535 has a shelf life of about two years before it starts breaking down.

What are the negative effects of using DEET?

People that have left DEET products on their skin for extended periods of time have experienced irritation, redness, a rash, and swelling. People that have swallowed products containing DEET have experienced stomach upset, vomiting, and nausea. Very rarely, exposure to DEET has been associated with seizures in people.

What is the safest bug spray to use?

DEET is approved as a safe and effective insect repellent. The concentration of DEET in a product indicates how long the product will be effective—a higher concentration works for a longer time. For example, 10% DEET provides protection for about 2 hours, and 30% DEET protects for about 5 hours.

Is DEET toxic on skin?

The human health risk assessment concluded that there are no risks of concern because no toxic effects have been identified when used as a dermally applied insect repellent, and there is no dietary or occupational exposure for DEET.

Which is safer DEET or picaridin?

IS PICARIDIN SAFER THAN DEET? Comparing DEET vs Picaridin, Picaridin 20% has been proven to provide equal protection against mosquitoes and superior protection against ticks in similar concentrations without the same health concerns.

Is bug spray still effective after it dries?

At a certain point after treatment the insect will not pick up enough insecticide to be affected – the treatment is no longer effective.

What bugs does DEET keep away?

DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is a versatile and effective insect repellent. Insect repellents containing DEET have been used for more than 40 years by millions of people worldwide to repel mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, biting flies and chiggers.

Does DEET cause neurological problems?

Recent studies suggest that N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and that this action may result in neurotoxicity and pose a risk to humans from its use as an insect repellent.

Is DEET a toxic chemical?

DEET generally is of low acute toxicity, and, based on the available toxicological data, the Agency believes that the normal use of DEET does not present a health concern to the general U.S. population (the Agency's human risk assessment has identified no toxicologically significant effects in animal studies.)

Is DEET a hormone disruptor?

As of yet, there is no endocrine-disruptor studies for DEET. The CDC claims there are no known endocrine effects related to DEET exposure.

Is DEET a toxic chemical?

DEET generally is of low acute toxicity, and, based on the available toxicological data, the Agency believes that the normal use of DEET does not present a health concern to the general U.S. population (the Agency's human risk assessment has identified no toxicologically significant effects in animal studies.)

Is DEET eco friendly?

1 The active ingredient in about 120 commercially available products, it is considered safe for humans and the environment by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Do you need 100% DEET?

You don't need 100 percent deet. Research shows that the concentration of active ingredient has an impact on how long the compound lasts, not on how well it works. Our testing indicates that products containing 25 to 30 percent deet typically provide at least several hours of protection.

What is DEET?

Chemists know it as N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, and it’s a compound that was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 and then registered for use for the general public in 1957.

Is DEET safe?

In 1998, the EPA did a big review of safety concerns about DEET. It looked at reports that a small percentage of people who had used DEET had experienced seizures (one per 100 million exposures, but they couldn’t be sure whether the exposures were caused by DEET or were coincidental). There have also been reports of products containing high concentrations of DEET causing skin rashes.

What is the best insect repellent?

DEET certainly isn’t the only effective insect repellent out there. Other effective repellents include: 1 Picaridin: This repellent is modeled after a compound in the black pepper plant, and protects against ticks and mosquitoes. 2 IR 3535: The Environmental Working Group suggests that this provides good protection against ticks. While it does protect against mosquitos, the EWG suggests it may offer a bit less protection from these than other repellents do. 3 Oil of lemon eucalyptus: This can repel mosquitoes if formulated into a repellent product—the essential oil on its own won’t do the job, according to the CDC.

What is the best repellent for mosquitoes?

Picaridin: This repellent is modeled after a compound in the black pepper plant, and protects against ticks and mosquitoes.

Can you use a low percentage of DEET?

So you can use a product with a low percentage of DEET as long as you reapply it as often as the label states. If you’re just sitting in your back yard having coffee, you wouldn’t need the kind of concentration you’d apply if you’re headed out for a longish walk or hike and not taking the repellent with you.

Is insect repellent bad for you?

The insect repellent chemical isn't as bad as it sounds. By Marty Munson. May 27, 2020. Chad SpringerGetty Images. Whether you’re in the backwoods or in your back yard, one of the challenges of being in the great outdoors is that biting insects are there, too. Ticks and mosquitos aren’t just a nuisance—they can be vectors for diseases ...

Does DEET cause skin rash?

There have also been reports of products contain ing high concentrations of DEET causing skin rashes. In 2014, it conducted another review and concluded that insect repellents containing DEET do not present a health concern when products are used as stated on the label.

How long does picaridin last?

Mark Fradin, a dermatologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, who has researched insect repellents, says products containing picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus should last about four hours, so their staying power is similar to many of the DEET-based repellents. That's good news for people who have wanted an alternative to DEET and, we hope, bad news for this summer's swarms of blood-thirsty mosquitoes.

What is the advantage of DEET?

The big advantage of DEET is that it lasts — and you don't have to use the super-high-concentration products. We won't count on this in a real, mosquito-infested situation, but in controlled lab conditions, a repellent containing 20% DEET (an average amount) keeps mosquitoes from biting for four hours.

Is it safe to use DEET?

DEET, which has a long track record, is safe but many people worry that it's not. Apart from safety concerns, many find the chemical feel and smell of DEET-based products unpleasant. So-called natural alternatives have been around for years, but tests — and mosquito-bitten buyers — have shown that they aren't all that effective.

Does Harvard Health Publishing have archived content?

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

1. Know your budget when buying the best deet free bug spray

Buying the best deet free bug spray is not always easy, but it's essential to know your budget. Many factors can affect how much you should spend on a product, from the object's size, brand name, and warranty period.

2. Compare prices and deals

When it comes to buying products in 2020, comparison shopping is the best way to find the cheapest deals. It would be best if you compare prices and discounts on many different stores before making your purchase so you can get the most bang for your buck.

3. Get coupons and discounts

If you want to buy the best deet free bug spray and save money, make sure you do your research. There are lots of ways to save money on products without sacrificing quality.

4. Shop around for the best price

Shop around for the best price when buying a product, but make sure to buy the right product. Sometimes you might need to pay more money upfront, but it will save in the long run because you won't have to replace your purchase as often.

5. Using cash instead of credit cards when buying the best deet free bug spray

Whether you're purchasing the best deet free bug spray for yourself or someone else, it's important to use cash instead of credit cards. Money is more tangible and doesn't have the same emotional attachment that a card does.

6. Read reviews before purchasing anything online

Reviews are a great way to get an unbiased opinion of what you're purchasing before investing your money. If there are no reviews, it may be worth researching the product or asking around for opinions.

Conclusion

The best way to save money is to buy what you need, not want. If you can't resist the temptation for a spontaneous purchase, use cash instead of credit cards so that your bank account doesn't suffer any consequences.

How long does it take for a tick to die from encephalitis?

Studies in EPA’s database indicate that DEET repels ticks for about two to ten hours, and mosquitoes from two to twelve hours depending on ...

How does deet work?

DEET is designed for direct application to people’s skin to repel insects. Rather than killing them, DEET works by making it hard for these biting bugs to smell us. After it was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946, DEET was registered for use by the general public in 1957. Approximately 120 products containing DEET are currently registered with EPA by about 30 different companies.

How much DEET is in food?

Formulations registered for direct application to human skin contain from 5 to 99% DEET. Except for a few veterinary uses, DEET is registered for use by consumers, and it is not used on food. DEET is designed for direct application to people’s skin to repel insects.

When was dEET first used?

After it was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946, DEET was registered for use by the general public in 1957. Approximately 120 products containing DEET are currently registered with EPA by about 30 different companies. On this page: Safety review of DEET. Benefits of DEET products.

When did the EPA issue the DEET decision?

EPA issued an Interim Decision for DEET in September 2014. We concluded that:

What is the benefit of deet?

Benefits of DEET Products. DEET's most significant benefit is its ability to repel potentially disease-carrying insects and ticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receives more than 30,000 reports of Lyme disease (transmitted by deer ticks) and 80-100 reports of La Crosse encephalitis virus (transmitted by mosquitoes) annually. ...

Why do people use DEET?

population use DEET to protect them from mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus, the Zika virus or malaria and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

What is the difference between repellents and dEET?

There are two main differences when it comes to using repellents. There are products containing DEET, which are powerful synthetic solutions used in a wide range of different products. Or, natural remedies that are DEET-free and rely on more natural ingredients. So, which is best for you – DEET or no DEET products?

What is the best scent for bugs?

They do come in concentrated form and need diluting in most cases however, so always read the label carefully. Lemon, clove, and eucalyptus are three of the most effective scents at keeping bugs at bay.

Is deet a bug repellent?

DEET is a powerful and effective bug repellent. The major drawback is that it’s too powerful in some instances and can cause problems for people with sensitive skin. But I will go into that in more detail throughout the article. DEET does come in various strengths and is measured by the concentration, however.

What is the maximum concentration of a child?

Children should never be exposed to anything higher than 20% concentration and use should always be supervised.

Is DEET good for you?

So, which is best for you – DEET or no DEET products? Well, DEET products are very effective in most cases. But, with the power of DEET products comes drawbacks. Most worryingly there is some evidence that it can be quite damaging to your health with a lot of exposure to the chemicals.

Does DEET damage the brain?

Studies on lab rats have shown damage to brain cells among other problems, which is quite worrying. Some people do have a sensitivity when using DEET products too, so always check it on a small area of skin before going all in when applying it.

Is DEET a strong concentration?

DEET does come in various strengths and is measured by the concentration, however. The lower the concentration, the less effective it is. It’s mainly the strong concentration products that causes irritation, can destroy clothing, and cause breathing difficulties.

Use

• DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active ingredient in many repellent products. It is widely used to repel biting pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. Every year, an estimated one-third of the U.S. population use DEET to protect them from mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus, the Zika virus or malaria and tick-borne il...

See more on epa.gov

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