Is DEET a Safe Insect Repellent?

No one wants a mosquito sting or tick bite. Each year, DEET is the choice of millions of people purchasing insect repellents.

It is most effective against mosquitoes and ticks, and appears under various trade names such as Autan, Delphene, Detamide, Deltamid, Flypel, m-Delphene, and Meta-Delphene, and Off! It is currently an ingredient in at least 53 commercial insect repellents.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is considered safe when used for brief periods and sparingly. Labels warn not to use DEET products over open wounds, for long periods, or near hands or mouth. The EPA also recommends washing all exposed skin once indoors, particularly when it is used repeatedly in a day or over several days.

Is that how most consumers faced with mosquitoes or ticks use it? Not likely.

Known Side Effects

What are its known side effects?

You may be surprised to learn that while 100% DEET has been shown to be a good insect repellent for up to 6 hours, concentrations of between 15-75% have been temporally linked to skin rashes and numbness, neurologic toxicity, generalized seizures, insomnia, mood disturbances and sleep disorders. Even death. These and other findings were reported in a 1997 Pesticide Information Profile published by Cornell University, Michigan State University, Oregon State University and the University of California, Davis.

Natural Alternatives

There are effective natural alternatives. However, you should be prepared to apply any substitute repellent more frequently, since one thing 100% DEET has going for it is staying power.

1. Citronella Oil is a very effective mosquito repellent. You have probably encountered it being burned in candle-tubs around outdoor areas. It derives from the leaves of a plant native to Sri Lanka and Java. It has a slightly lemon scent, but also blends specifically well with Cedarwood, Lemon, Orange, Lavender and Pine oils. It can also be applied directly to the skin. Dab some behind your knees, ears and on your neck, ankles and elbows.
2. Avon Skin-So-Soft mixed with rubbing alcohol has been used for years, both to deter bites and to repel ants if you find where they are entering your home. Avon now produces a pre-mixed version for your convenience.
3. Vanilla, applied either directly to the skin or sprayed in a concentration of 1 Tbsp per cup of water.
   
4. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (also called PMD). This, like citronella, is available from natural food or vitamin stores. Add a few drops to jojoba oil before applying to the skin. Off! Botanicals contains 10% eucalyptus, if you prefer a cream.
5. Isolongifolenone, from the Tauroniro tree of South America, has been found to be as effective against ticks and mosquitoes according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Derivatives of isolongifolenone have been widely used as fragrances in cosmetics, perfumes and paper products. A patent has been submitted for its production as a repellent, so look for it to appear in products in the future.

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