The pros and cons of the insect repellent DEET

Developed for American soldiers in World War 2, DEET has long been the most famous and effective ingredient in bug sprays. 

Otherwise known as diethyltoluamide, DEET has proven to be extremely potent against insects, but a controversy regarding its safety has put it in a questionable light. 

In the mid 1980s, a study was conducted by Everglades National Park in which, “The authors concluded that skin rashes, daytime sleepiness and impaired cognitive function are significantly associated with DEET exposure.”

Despite the Everglades study and others like it, there was never a scientific consensus on how bad  DEET actually was (or wasn’t). Studies ranged from the Everglades study to a 1998 Environmental Protection Agency  (EPA) study that said, “we believe that the normal use of DEET does not present a health concern to the general population, including children.”

While it might not be lethal to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said it could “cause skin rashes.” Moreover, “some persons who used products containing a high concentration of DEET or who were exposed to excessive amounts of DEET have experienced skin rashes, blisters and skin and mucous membrane irritation.”

The solution seems to be: limited usage. As is written in the Everglades study, “Since a safe alternative is not available, it is recommended that exposure be minimized by using lower concentrations and making use of protective clothing.”

And, if used as recommended, DEET doesn’t have many health issues. According to the CDC, “Using insect repellents containing DEET should not be harmful if label directions are followed and the product is used safely.”

Even if DEET has been the gold standard for many years, new options have been recently discovered.

New research has found that oil of lemon eucalyptus is an effective substitute for DEET products. It is now registered with the EPA.

A 2015 Oxford University study showed that, while not as effective as DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus was significantly more effective than other natural repellents. 

Specific brands that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus are Repel Lemon Eucalyptus; OFF! Botanicals; and Fight Bite Plant-Based Insect Repellent.