Summer is synonymous with sun, fun and… Bugs. Summer isn’t summer without a few mosquito bites, but they will irritate your skin endlessly. These pesky bugs can also carry disease and will ruin your camping trip faster than you can tell. Lemongrass.
Luckily for us, insect repellent can help tremendously in the war against insect bites. But did you know that an ingredient in most popular insect repellents can also be harmful? Check the labels of your insect repellents – chances are they have deet in the ingredient list! Although the CDC has approved deet as a safe ingredient for insect repellents, questions remain about its effects on our health.
Learn how to avoid this bug spray ingredient and opt for a DEET-free bug spray instead!
What is DEET?
Deet is the most common insect repellent ingredient on the market today. It is synthetically made with multiple chemical compounds and works by preventing mosquitoes and other insects (like ticks) from biting or feeding on you.
The most common theory behind how deet works is that it blocks certain receptors in an insect’s “nose” when it lands on your skin. This renders an insect unable to sniff out human sweat and breath, greatly reducing your chances of an itchy, inflamed bite. Other research supports that the bad smell of deet plays a role in keeping flying insects away.
Advantages and disadvantages of Deet
Although deet may technically be safe, there are still some factors to consider before using it. We have outlined the main pros and cons of this insect repellent ingredient below!
Advantages:
Biodegradable
In fact, Deet breaks down quite easily in the environment. When you spray deet in the air, the sun helps break it down. When you take it off your skin and your clothes, “aerobic microorganisms“Help break down deet in the water supply.
Long duration
When you apply a 10-30% concentration of deet to your skin or clothes, you are protected for two hours or more (depending on the concentration). This means less reapplication throughout the day and less hassle. Higher concentrations are also useful for areas with high mosquito populations.
Efficiency
Deet is the most effective insect repellent ingredient on the market. Deet repels mosquitoes, ticks and other insects for a long time, even in the harshest conditions. It’s been around since the 1940s and has been researched extensively – ultimately, deet has a proven track record of effectiveness.
The inconvenients:
Feel
If you’ve ever used a commercial insect repellent, you know that the smell of deet can linger. If you use a significant amount on your skin and clothes, your nostrils might be overwhelmed with the smell. Not to mention that inhaling too much deet can lead to insect repellent poisoning.
PRO TIP: DEET-free bug sprays made with essential oils tend to smell much better.
Not great for sensitive skin
If you have eczema or dermatitis — or a compromised skin barrier — deet can make your symptoms worse. Skin prone to irritation will find that deet increases the risk of redness, rashes and flaking. In this case, buy a natural insect repellent that is gentler on your skin.
Melts certain materials
Deet is quite powerful against insects – and against certain materials. If you wear plastic or vinyl clothing and accessories, deet can slowly disintegrate them over time.
May bioaccumulate
If you reapply DEET bug spray several times a day, your risk irritation, neurotoxicity and kidney and liver damage increase. Since the EPA knows this ingredient to be mildly toxic, it’s best to avoid oversaturation and absorption, which can happen when you apply too much deet for too long.
Natural insect repellent ingredients
If you’re tired of the heavy chemical smell of deet or want to avoid any form of irritation, it’s time to start looking for deet-free ingredients. You might be surprised to find that most of these natural alternatives contain essential oils!
Lemon eucalyptus oil
A pleasant scent is not the only thing this essential oil provides. In a 2014 study comparing 32% lemon eucalyptus oil and 40% deet, lemon eucalyptus oil provided 95% protection for up to 3 hours.
Lemongrass oil
According Health line, when lemongrass is properly formulated, it can be just as effective as deet. In balance sheet 2011, the authors noted that insect odor receptors that respond to DEET also respond to lemongrass. One way to incorporate this essential oil is to use lemongrass incense Where citronella candles – but beware of synthetic perfumes and fragrances.
Thyme Oil
While we love thyme for its culinary prowess, a 2005 study examined several compounds in thyme oil and found that they had similar duration and repellency to deet. Remember to dilute this oil before using it on your skin.
PRO TIP: If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, consult your doctor or naturopath before using thyme oil. Check out our pregnancy guide to essential oils for more information!
Lemongrass oil
In addition to providing a light citrus scent, a 2011 study found that citronella oil was 74-95% effective for up to 2.5 hours against mosquitoes. In combination with more potent essential oils, lemongrass can be a great addition to a DIY insect repellent.
Catnip
According researchers at Iowa State University, catnip is a powerful insect repellent that may be able to go hand-in-hand with deet. Nepetalactone, the main essential oil in catnip, was found to have a repellency rate of 49-59% in a lab test.
Deet-Free Bug Spray Alternatives
All terrain herbal armor
This bug spray contains a blend of 6 essential oils to repel insects: soybean oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, citronella oil and geranium oil. This easy-to-spray formula is also cruelty-free and non-GMO.
Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray
Ideal for children, this certified organic bug spray uses a multitude of natural ingredients. Soybean Oil, Castor Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Rosemary Oil, Geranium Oil and Peppermint Oil give it a powerful plant power against stings. It comes in a durable aluminum spray bottle and is both cruelty-free and gluten-free.
Alba Insect Repellent Spray
The most active ingredients in this biodegradable spray are Castor Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Peppermint Oil, Rosemary Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedarwood Oil, and Cedarwood Oil. geranium oil. It is certified cruelty-free, biodegradable and contains no parabens or phthalates.
DIY bug spray
If you’d rather go the DIY route for deet-free insect repellent, you’ll need:
** Check out our list above for your ideal choice of essential oils!
1. Add witch hazel, jojoba oil and vitamin E oil to your vaporizer.
2. Mix your lemon eucalyptus and spearmint oils together.
3. Shake well. You are ready to use your DEET-free insect repellent!
If you’re heading to an area where you’re at high risk for mosquito- or tick-related illnesses, sticking to deet might be your best bet. But for insect repellent for the family or for everyday use, opt for a deet-free insect repellent. Make it part of your daily summer routine!
