Product Description

DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active ingredient in many insect repellent products. It is used to repel biting pests such as mosquitoes and ticks, including ticks that may carry Lyme disease. Every year, approximately one-third of the U.S. population is expected to use DEET. Products containing DEET currently are available to the public in a variety of liquids, lotions, sprays, and impregnated materials (e.g., wrist bands). Formulations registered for direct application to human skin contain from 4 to **0% 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 human skin to repel insects, rather than kill them. After it was developed by the U.S. Army in ***6, DEET was registered for use by the general public in ***7. Approximately **0 products containing DEET are currently registered with EPA by about *0 different companies. nsect repellents containing DEET can help prevent bites from ticks, mosquitoes and other biting pests reducing the risk of disease. Various forms and concentrations are available. The following guidelines from the Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association can help you select the proper insect repellent: Aerosol and pump-spray products are preferred for treating clothing (only on natural fibers) as well as for applying to skin. They provide an even application. Liquid, cream, lotion, and stick products offer more precise skin applications. Lower-concentration DEET products (5 to *5 percent) are appropriate for most situations where exposure to pests is minimal or for shorter exposure periods. Products with higher concentrations of DEET can give increased protection in highly infested areas, for people more prone to insect bites, and against difficult to repel species such as black flies. These products also provide longer protection (from 6 to 8 hours). Generally, the higher the DEET concentration, the longer the protection.