We're
here to answer any questions you may have.
If you have specific questions regarding medical matters, please review our medical disclaimer?
What
is DEET?
What does the medical community think
about DEET?
Should I use DEET if I have a specific medical condition?
What should I do if I inadvertently spray DEET
in my eyes?
Have scientific studies been done on DEET-based repellents?
What is the DEET Education Program?
Where can I get samples or donations of repellents?
Where can I get literature on proper use of
repellents?
Which DEET concentration should I use?
What product should I select?
Can I use a DEET-based insect repellent and
sunscreen together?
How much scientific information is available
on DEET?
How long does mosquito and tick season last?
What's the best way to apply DEET insect repellents?
Can DEET be used by pregnant women and nursing
mothers?
Is DEET an insecticide?
Where can I buy DEET insect repellents?
Can DEET be used on my pets?
Can I use DEET on my horses?
For traveling overseas,
what concentration of DEET should I use?
How many years does a DEET repellent remain
effective? What is the shelf life of DEET?
Does DEET cause cancer, birth defects, or
genetic changes?
Which government agency regulates DEET?
 |
What is DEET? |
DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is the active ingredient
in most insect repellents available in the United States that
are applied to the skin. DEET was developed more than 50 years
ago by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for use by our military.
It was registered for use by the general public in 1957.
|
What does the medical community think
about DEET? |
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend using DEET-based
repellents to help prevent mosquito and tick bites. The CDC
says DEET-based repellents "are very safe when used according
to the directions."
The AAP suggests that DEET-based repellents be used to protect
against insect- and tick-borne disease and advises parents
that products containing up to 30 percent DEET can be used
on children over the age of two months.
Click here for more information on Children & DEET.
|
Should I use DEET if I have a specific
medical condition? |
The DEET Education Program does not provide medical advice
or answer questions of a medical nature. Such inquiries should
be directed to your healthcare providers or to local and state
public health officials.
|
What should I do if I inadvertently spray
DEET in my eyes? |
DEET stings when
it gets in your eyes. Follow label directions, flushing your
eyes with fresh water as soon as you can.
|
Have scientific studies been done on DEET-based
repellents? |
Numerous scientific
studies have been conducted and published in peer-reviewed
journals. In 2002, for example, researchers at the University
of Florida's Medical Entomology laboratory compared the effectiveness
of DEET-based repellents to some alternative products and found
that DEET-based repellents were far more effective (Fradin-Day,
New England Journal of Medicine, July 4, 2002). The DEET industry
has spent millions of dollars on research and it also has sponsored
a tracking system to record and analyze clinical reports of
adverse events possibly associated with DEET usage. That database,
known as the DEET Registry, was established in collaboration
with the EPA and is managed by an independent research organization.
Reports on the data have been published in scientific and medical
journals, the most recent in 2003 (Bell-Page-Veltri, Journal
of Clinical Toxicology, June, 2003).
|
What is the DEET Education Program? |
A number of companies
that manufacture DEET and formulate DEET-based repellents sponsor
the DEET Education Program. The primary goals of the program,
which operates under the auspices of the Consumer Specialty
Products Association based in Washington , D.C. , are to develop
science-based information and educational materials for both
professionals and the general public and to communicate with
those audiences. One of the Program's initiatives is to assist
communities particularly hard-hit by West Nile virus. The Program
also works with consumers and the news media to help dispel 'urban
legends' about DEET and the products in which it is used.
|
Where can I get samples
or donations of repellents? |
For many years, individual companies have been generously
donating extensive amounts of repellent products. Typically
these donations are made to public health organizations, which
then distribute the products to low-income residents of areas
with significant mosquito and tick infestations.
Regrettably, the DEET Education Program does not have products
to donate beyond its outreach initiative through the public health
sector. However, there are free brochures.
.
|
Where can I get literature on proper use
of repellents? |
The DEET Education Programs offers a brochure in four
versions.
|
Which DEET concentration should I use?
What product should I select? |
DEET-based insect repellents are available in a range of concentrations
from5 percent to 100 percent. A 5 percent product will provide
approximately 90 minutes of protection and a 100 percent product
approximately 10 hours. The "effective" time increases
as you increase the concentration of DEET.
Generally, the longer you are outside, the higher the concentration
you should use. Higher concentrations also are recommended
for all outdoor activities in regions with large populations
of biting insects or ticks. Other factors are the type of activity
and geographic location. The EPA has determined that, when
label instructions are followed, all concentrations can be
used by individuals of all ages.
|
Can I use a DEET-based insect repellent
and sunscreen together? |
The effectiveness of both insect repellents and sunscreens are dramatically
reduced when users apply them at the same time. Decide which is your top priority
at the moment-protection from insects or from the sun-then apply either a repellent
or sunscreen, plus use other measures to reduce insect and sun exposure. Some
manufacturers produce a specially formulated product that combines both DEET-based
insect repellent and sunscreen. These should be used with the frequency of
repellents, where you re-apply only as needed to exposed skin areas.
|
How much scientific information is available on DEET? |
Experts agree and tests have proven, the most effective repellents on the
market contain DEET and those without it do not provide the same protection
from insect bites. Using a non-DEET product could mean that users are at greater
risk for bites. DEET has a 45-year track record of reliable use and extensive
scientific study, while much less is known about alternatives. In a published
report two doctors wrote, "Unlike DEET, limited experience with natural
oils used as insect repellents means their true safety profile has yet to be
determined" (Goodyer & Behrens, American Journal of Tropical Medicine
and Hygiene, 1998).
|
How long does mosquito and tick season last? |
Mosquitoes are most active from early spring until the first frost in many
areas of the United States. This also is true for ticks. In warmer regions,
biting insects may be active year-round.
|
What's the best way to apply DEET insect repellents? |
Please click here for directions.
|
Can DEET be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers?
|
The CDC and the U.S. EPA both suggest that there is no evidence of adverse
effects for pregnant or nursing women. There's specific information at www.cdc.gov/westnile.
We suggest you also review a recent journal article by Dr. Gideon Koren and
colleagues. Our recommendation is for pregnant women to consult
their personal physicians about the use of DEET-based products during pregnancy
and breast feeding.
|
Is DEET an insecticide? |
DEET is not an insecticide and neither kills nor harms the pests
it repels. DEET interferes with the mosquito's ability to detect the carbon
dioxide our bodies release.
|
Where can I buy DEET insect repellents? |
DEET-based repellents are available at grocery stores, pharmacies, sporting goods stores, home improvement centers, and other retail outlets.
|
Can DEET be used on my pets? |
We do not have scientific data regarding the use of DEET on household pets
and recommend that you contact your pet's veterinarian to obtain appropriate
advice.
|
Can I use DEET on my horses? |
We do not have specific scientific information regarding the use of DEET
on horses. There are highly effective vaccines for horses. We recommend you
discuss vaccinating your horse(s) with your veterinarian.
|
For traveling overseas, what concentration of DEET should I use?
|
The DEET concentration, i.e., 5 percent to 100 percent, directly equates to
duration of effectiveness. For example, a 5 percent product will provide
up to 90 minutes of protection. The "effective" time increases
as you increase the concentration of DEET. Recommendations vary for persons
traveling into endemic areas. We suggest visiting www.mayoclinic.com for
additional information there under "global travel." Remember to follow all
label instructions carefully.
|
How many years does a DEET repellent
remain effective? What is the shelf life of DEET? |
DEET is very stable and therefore the federal government does not require
an expiration date. Call the manufacturer for specifics on your product.
|
Does DEET cause cancer, birth defects, or genetic changes? |
DEET-based products have been subjected to rigorous scientific scrutiny over
many years. These tests have continued to confirm that consumers can
use these products with confidence, according to product labeling directions
for ALL family members. Additionally, tests confirm that DEET does not cause
cancer, birth defects, or genetic changes.
|
Which government agency regulates DEET? |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates DEET. Based on additional
safety studies, the EPA re-registered DEET in 1998 for use according to label
instructions. Registration of products for sale to consumers occurs only after
determining that the products meet the strictest standards of effectiveness
and after having assessed potential risks to human health and to the environment.
The state of California and other states also require registration of insect
repellents, including DEET-based products.
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