DEET is a chemical compound developed in 1946 for use primarily against mosquitoes. It was made available to the public in 1957, and since then has been expanded to target several different biting pests including (but not limited to) the
DEET is a chemical compound developed in 1946 for use primarily against mosquitoes. It was made available to the public in 1957, and since then has been expanded to target several different biting pests including (but not limited to) the following:
Basically, anyone who uses DEET on their skin of clothing becomes sort of invisible to the pests circling around. The mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other bugs can't smell the target when DEET is present, and therefore don't feed on anyone using DEET.
What are the Benefits and Uses of DEET?
Well, for starters, it's extremely beneficial to skirt away from mosquito bites. Not only are these bites painful on their own, but mosquitos are actually considered the most dangerous animal on the planet.
Pretty unbelievable, right?
You'd think that such small insects would be pretty easy to thwart, but don't underestimate them based on size alone; these might menaces are responsible for the spread of the Zika virus, the West Nile virus, and malaria—three devastating illnesses which affect millions of people worldwide.
By using DEET to protect yourself from mosquito interference, you're doing more than just preventing a bothersome bite...you could be sidestepping a life-threatening illness.
Where will you normally find DEET? Is it sold on its own, or is it more likely to be formulated into outside products?
Believe it or not, the Environmental Protection Agency has cleared a 100% DEET formulation for sale in the USA.
This product is, as its name suggests, totally unrefined DEET, unmixed with other ingredients. It's meant to be used as an insect repellent in areas with high insect population like rainforests and jungles.
Most of the time, this is where a person will find DEET: as an active ingredient in a name-brand bug spray like OFF! or Cutter.
Generally speaking, the DEET content is usually only 7% of the overall amount, the rest of the spray contributing normally to other ingredients such as ethyl alcohols or fragrances.
These disposable wipes are designed to be taken on the go for hikes and camping trips. They're sold in packs of around 20 wipes each, and ideal for travelers or outdoor aficionados who want to pack as lightly as possible.
Each wipe is pre-moistened with a DEET solution to rub along the skin in order to protect the wearer from insect bites.
When Should You Consider Using A DEET-Based Product?
Is DEET a good idea for you? Check out how the following types of insects react to this chemical.
For decades, scientists have been stumped by how, exactly, DEET manages to repel mosquitoes. For the longest time, the scientific community has accepted a collective shoulder shrug on the matter; coming to the conclusion that they don't exactly know how DEET works its magic, according to the National Pesticide Information Center.
Of course, the target is still there, but the flea doesn't sense it anymore. Any human or animal sprayed and wiped with DEET is basically invisible to a flea, and therefore no longer a landing pad.
Is DEET Best for Zika?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best way to stop the spread of the Zika virus is to be knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms as well as vigilant in order to prevent infection.
The CDC recommends using insect repellent after applying sunscreen anytime you're going outdoors for a prolonged period of time, but they also recommend to cover your skin with long sleeves and long pants.
This means that there are several ways to prevent the spread of Zika, which is now found in 39 states (as of the time of this writing). Only you can make the choice on what is best for you and your family.
Is DEET Dangerous To Humans?
Here are the big questions on everyone's minds: is DEET toxic? Will it cause birth defects? Is it safe to spray onto kids' skin??
Because DEET was created in a lab specifically for hu