Can I use a repellent that does not contain DEET?
Mosquito Control - Prevention & Control (Deet Informatio...If you do not want to use a product containing DEET, or if your physician advises you to avoid DEET, there are other products that give you limited protection. These repellents generally use plant-based oils to repel insects. In comparison to DEET based products, plant oil-based repellents are generally effective for a shorter time (usually less than about two hours). Note: Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices and incense have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.
Related QuestionsCan I use a DEET-based insect repellent and sunscreen together?
Frequently Asked Questions About DEETThe 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.
Related QuestionsHow many years does a DEET repellent remain effective? What is the shelf life of DEET?
Frequently Asked Questions About DEETDEET is very stable and therefore the federal government does not require an expiration date. Call the manufacturer for specifics on your product. 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.
Related QuestionsWhy EG Repellent not use DEET but natural ingredients?
MosRepel.comEG Repellent does not contain DEET as it has documented hazards involved with its use. Some manufacturers eager to distinguish their products, raise DEET concentration to some dangerous levels, as high as 50% to 85%. At these levels it is not only hazardous but also very unpleasant to use.
Related QuestionsWhy should I use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET?
TriCounty Health DepartmentDEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is the most effective and best-studied insect repellent available (Fradin MS, Day JF. Comparative efficacy of insect repellents against mosquito bites. N Engl J Med. 2002;347(1):13-8). The more DEET a repellent contains, the longer it can protect you. A higher percentage of DEET does not mean it will protect you better, just that it will last longer. However, DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of protection.
Related QuestionsShould I use DEET Mosquito Repellent?
FAQIt's important to protect yourself against mosquito bites to prevent West Nile Virsus Infection. Using mosquito repellent during pregnancy is a question that brings up many issues. The Pregnancy RiskLine can fully answer questions about this further.
Related QuestionsWhen buying an insect repellent for children, how much DEET is harmful?
georgia.gov - Georgia Poison CenterDEET is one of the most common ingredients in insect repellents. DEET is absorbed through the skin. In high concentrations, DEET can have harmful side effects. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using repellents with no more than 6 to 10% DEET on children. For adults select repellents with no more than 30% DEET. Use DEET with caution. Always read the label before using any insect repellent.
Related QuestionsCan I use DEET on my horses?
Frequently Asked Questions About DEETWe 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.
Related QuestionsIf I am pregnant or breast-feeding, should I use insect repellent containing DEET?
Black Women's Health:----Yes. Insect repellents help people reduce their exposure to mosquito bites that may carry potentially serious viruses such as West Nile virus, and allow them to continue to play and work outdoors. There are no reported adverse events following use of repellents containing DEET in pregnant or breast-feeding women. Click here for more information about using repellents safely.
Related QuestionsWhy should I use insect repellent?
Southern Nevada Health District - West Nile Virus Frequently...Insect repellents can help reduce exposure to mosquito bites that may carry viruses such as West Nile virus that can cause serious illness and even death. Using insect repellent allows you to continue to play and work outdoors with a reduced risk of mosquito bites.
Related QuestionsWhen should I use mosquito repellent?
Southern Nevada Health District - West Nile Virus Frequently...Apply repellent when you are going to be outdoors. Even if you don’t notice mosquitoes there is a good chance that they are around. Many of the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus bite between dusk and dawn. If you are outdoors around these times of the day, it is especially important to apply repellent. In many parts of the country, there are mosquitoes that also bite during the day, and some of these mosquitoes have also been found to carry West Nile virus.
Related QuestionsCDC: West Nile Virus - QA: Insect Repellent Use and SafetyApply repellent when you are going to be outdoors. Even if you don’t notice mosquitoes there is a good chance that they are around. Many of the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus bite between dusk and dawn. If you are outdoors around these times of the day, it is especially important to apply repellent. In many parts of the country, there are mosquitoes that also bite during the day, and some of these mosquitoes have also been found to carry West Nile virus.Related Questions
What is DEET?
Frequently Asked Questions About DEETDEET (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.
Related QuestionsHow does mosquito repellent work?
Southern Nevada Health District - West Nile Virus Frequently...Female mosquitoes bite people and animals because they need the protein found in blood to help develop their eggs. Mosquitoes are attracted to people by skin odors and carbon dioxide from breath. The active ingredients in repellents make the person unattractive for feeding. Repellents do not kill mosquitoes. Repellents are effective only at short distances from the treated surface, so you may still see mosquitoes flying nearby.
Related QuestionsShould I use DEET if I have a specific medical condition?
Frequently Asked Questions About DEETThe 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.
Related QuestionsWhich DEET concentration should I use? What product should I select?
Frequently Asked Questions About DEETDEET-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.
Related QuestionsFor traveling overseas, what concentration of DEET should I use?
Frequently Asked Questions About DEETThe 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.
Related QuestionsWhat does the medical community think about DEET?
Frequently Asked Questions About DEETThe 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.
Related QuestionsHow does the percent of DEET in a product relate to the amount of protection it gives?
Mosquito Control - Prevention & Control (Deet Informatio...A product containing 4.75% DEET and 2% soybean oil were both able to provide roughly 1 and a half-hours of protection. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors A higher percentage of DEET should be used if you will be outdoors for several hours while a lower percentage of DEET can be used if time outdoors will be limited.
Related QuestionsHow does the percentage of DEET in a product relate to the amount of protection it gives?
MosquitoesProducts with 4.75% DEET and 2% soybean oil were both able to provide roughly 1 and a half hour of protection Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors. A higher percentage of DEET should be used if you will be outdoors for several hours while a lower percentage of DEET can be used if time outdoors will be limited. You can also re-apply a product if you are outdoors for a longer time than expected and start to be bitten by mosquitoes.
Related QuestionsCan I use insect repellent on my pets?
Crater Animal Clinic - Frequently Asked QuestionsDEET-based repellents, which are recommended for humans, are not approved for veterinary use (largely because animals tend to ingest them by licking.) Call your local vector control and ask for suggestions on preventing mosquitoes in your area. There are topical applications available for pets that have proven to prevent mosquito bites. Please call for more information on prevention of West Nile Virus in your dog and cat.
Related QuestionsWhy can't I just use a repellent?
Benner's Gardens: Question & AnswersRepellents can be effective if applied thoroughly and frequently. It is also highly recommended that two or more repellent solutions be rotated regularly so that the deer do not become used to one particular taste and/or odor. If deer are hungry enough, damage may still occur, even on properly treated plants.
Related QuestionsIs DEET an insecticide?
Frequently Asked Questions About DEETDEET 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.
Related QuestionsWhy does CDC recommend certain types of insect repellent?
CDC: West Nile Virus - QA: Insect Repellent Use and SafetyCDC recommends products containing active ingredients which have been registered with US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use as insect repellents on skin or clothing. All of the EPA-registered active ingredients have demonstrated repellency however some provide more longerlasting protection than others.
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