Overall, chemical repellents like DEET and
Many experts consider picaridin to work just as well as DEET, and it may even last a bit longer. They both offer protection against a slew of irritating insects, including biting flies, gnats, ticks, chiggers, and fleas. Outdoorsy types may want to consider using permethrin on their clothes.
People that have swallowed products containing DEET have experienced stomach upset, vomiting, and nausea. Very rarely, exposure to DEET has been associated with seizures in people.
DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide): Dr. Ford says most people use bug sprays with DEET because they're the most effective. “You don't know what insects you're going to come across, so using the agent that's effective against the widest variety is the best strategy.”
Essential Oils: Oils like peppermint, lavender, and citronella can deter bugs. Consider using a diffuser or making a spray with water and a few drops of essential oil. Herbs: Planting herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary near windows can help repel insects.
Bugs hate the smells associated with repellency, such as lavender, citronella, vinegar, peppermint, and geranium. These oils are considered a natural way of driving away bugs from your home without harming you, your family, and other animals.
Phenothrin and Pyrethrins – These ingredients target the nervous systems of insects, leading to paralysis and death. Pyrethrins are particularly effective against bed bugs due to their knockdown effect.
DEET is a widely used repellent that deters pests by making it harder for them to smell humans. Despite being effective, it has faced controversy over potential health and environmental impacts, including skin irritation and toxicity concerns. Some countries have even banned DEET due to these risks.
Vicks Vaporub contains camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil, but limited scientific evidence supports its efficacy as a mosquito repellent. Potential risks of using Vicks Vaporub include skin irritation and allergic reactions.
For more than 60 years, DEET has reigned as the undisputed champion of insect repellents. No longer. There's now a potentially better alternative on the market: picaridin. Both DEET and picaridin are proven to be effective at fending off ticks—and are superior to other repellents when it comes to protection time.
DEET is commonly found in insect repellants. If used properly, the health risk of using these products is very low. DEET products are extensively used with very little risk to human health. Occasionally, there have been reports of people having negative reactions after excessive use of repellents containing DEET.
In 1998, the Environmental Protection Agency conducted a definitive assessment of the chemical. The agency turned up 46 seizures and four deaths that were potentially linked to deet exposure. It estimated that since 1960, the incidence of seizures with a potential link to deet exposure was 1 per 100 million uses.
N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) remains the standard by which all other repellents are judged.
Avon's Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin, a dedicated insect repellent spray, performed reasonably well against ticks and mosquitoes; it is in the middle of the pack of the 53 repellent products we tested.
Products containing DEET are typically very low risk when people use them correctly. DEET can cause skin irritation in some people, but this is rare. Some people who have used high strength DEET or had exposure to DEET over a long period have experienced adverse effects. DEET is also toxic if ingested.
taking Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B12 supplements. eating garlic or yeast extracts, or applying them to your skin. using bath oils and skin softeners.
Citing human health reasons, Health Canada barred the sale of insect repellents for human use that contained more than 30% DEET in a 2002 re-evaluation "based on a human health risk assessment that considered daily application of DEET over a prolonged period of time".
Sawyer Controlled Release Insect Repellent
If you're looking for an effective insect repellent with DEET, Sawyer's Controlled Release formula is a solid choice. With 20 percent DEET as its active ingredient, it protects against mosquitoes and ticks.
The most commonly used products are synthetic pyrethroid insecticides (such as Scourge ®and Anvil ®), pyrethrins and malathion.
Customers say the Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand is easy to use and effective for controlling various household pests, particularly ants and spiders.
The hardest pests to eliminate are: termites, cockroaches, rodents, carpenter ants, and bed bugs.
Practical Tips for Using Natural Scents to Deter Insects
Combine essential oils like citronella, peppermint, tea tree, and lavender to create your own bug-repellent spray. Mix with water and a little alcohol to help disperse the oil.