DEET

DEET - the informal name for di-ethyl toluamide - is best known as a mosquito repellent. However it is useful against insects in general and is found in many of the midge repellents you can buy today.

DEET was first invented for the US military. It doesn't kill insects, instead it works by preventing them from finding you. It's believed to interfere with their sensory apparatus.

There are various concentrations of DEET on the market (although the higher concentrations aren't sold in the UK). This seems to be a case where more is not necessarily better. Although higher concentrations of DEET are more effective at repelling insects, they do so for shorter periods of time. DEET doesn't adhere well to skin and the other ingredients in commercial preparations are often there to help make it last.

Is DEET Safe?

DEET is toxic in large doses and can reportedly even soften hard plastics such as spectacle frames! Perhaps unsurprisingly many people are worried about using it.

As with any substance, some people are allergic to DEET and/or have adverse reactions to even small amounts. It can also irritate eyes, mouth etc so be careful not to put insect repellent on the hands then rub these areas. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and be especially careful with children. Remember that children often rub their eyes, so never put it on their hands. If in any doubt, consult your doctor.

I'm not a doctor or chemist, I can only repeat the official line. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

"After completing a comprehensive re-assessment of DEET, EPA concluded that, as long as consumers follow label directions and take proper precautions, insect repellents containing DEET do not present a health concern. Human exposure is expected to be brief, and long-term exposure is not expected. Based on extensive toxicity testing, the Agency believes that the normal use of DEET does not present a health concern to the general population." (1)

Despite that reassurance, there are still some people - like myself - who feel uneasy using DEET. If that applies to you then you might like to consider one of the more natural midge repellents, for example those based on Neem oil.

Important Note:
This is not a medical site and does not offer medical advice or personal advice of any form. Always consult a doctor regarding medical matters.

External Links:
(1) US EPA: The Insect Repellent DEET