DEET is an effective repellent for mosquitoes, ticks and other insects.  When choosing repellent, consideration for what is worse should be considered - the effect of the insect bite or the insect repellent?  DEET is far from perfect, but its use outweighs the consequences of Lyme Disease, Dengue Fever or Malaria. All insect repellents have pros and cons. There is no totally safe way to prevent insect bites. Some insect repellents are relatively low in toxicity when used with caution.

• DEET should be handled with caution.
• Keep well away from eyes.
• Do not use, or wash off immediately if there are any suspected rare reactions.
• DEET may damage plastic, rubber, vinyl that is on any outdoor gear you are wearing.
• Do not use DEET on babies 0-6 months.
• For children 6 months to 24 months use products that contain no more than 5-10% DEET and limit to only 1 application per day.
• For children 2 to 12 years use products that contain no more than 5%-10% DEET and limit to only 3 applications per day. Avoid prolonged use.
• For adults and 12 years and up use products that contain no more than 30% DEET.
• DEET at less than 10% concentration can provide 1-2 hours protection against ticks.
• DEET at 20-30% concentration can provide all day protection from mosquitoes and ticks but do check the manufacturer’s recommendations.

See also our articles:

Insect Bite or Insect Repellent which is better?   and Essential Oils can both protect and prevent insect bites

Article by Naturopath Janne Ramsay