Is DEET Safe, or Should I Choose a Different Bug Spray?

As the weather gets warmer, many people look forward to spending time outside. This means preparing for mosquito and tick bites that come with the season. But how concerned should you be about bug bites? And what’s the best way to prevent them? 

Here we’ll review why you should prevent bug bites, what you need to know about DEET and other bug sprays, and how to find the best one for you. 

Why is it important to use bug spray? 

Bug bites aren’t just a nuisance. They can also spread dangerous diseases, like:

• Zika virus, malaria, and West Nile virus, which are spread by mosquitoes

• Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which are spread by ticks

Mosquito and tick-borne diseases continue to be a significant problem in the U.S. and around the world. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that almost half a million people in the U.S. may get Lyme disease each year.

Using bug spray (or other products like lotions) is a great way to prevent bug bites and avoid potential exposure to some of these diseases. 

What are the main ingredients in bug spray?

Most bug sprays don’t actually kill mosquitoes and other insects. They have ingredients called repellents that keep insects and ticks from biting you. 

DEET (the chemical name is N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) is the most commonly used repellent, but there are many others. Repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are proven to be safe and effective. Here we’ll review DEET and then talk about other popular chemical and natural repellents. 

Is DEET safe? 

When used as directed, DEET is safe and effective. First, let’s discuss what it is and then look at some safety concerns about it. 

What is DEET?

DEET is the most common mosquito and tick repellent. About 30% of people in the U.S. use it each year. It was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 and has been used by the general public since 1957. 

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Most DEET products are applied directly to the skin (like sprays), but sometimes, DEET can be infused into materials like wristbands or towelettes. It can be used on adults, children, and infants older than 2 months old. The science continues to evolve on exactly how DEET works, but it appears that its smell and taste repel bugs.

What does the DEET concentration mean?

DEET is available in concentrations from 4% to 100%. A higher concentration doesn’t mean it works better — it just means that it will last for longer. So, products that have lower DEET concentrations may need to be applied more often. 

Are there health problems associated with DEET?

In general, DEET is well tolerated and safe to use when it’s applied as directed.

Over the last several decades, there have been some reports of health problems related to DEET, but they are usually associated with people using it incorrectly or ingesting it (like swallowing it). Most people had temporary symptoms and didn’t require any treatment. However, DEET can cause some of these localized reactions:

• Skin: Irritation or allergies where it’s applied, like hives or skin redness. Blistering and burning can happen if you use higher amounts of DEET.

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat: temporary burning and redness, and in more severe cases burns to the eyes, which may require treatment.

• Stomach and intestines: upset stomach, vomiting, and nausea if you swallow DEET.

When too much DEET is used (or if people drink it), there have been a few reports of more serious side nervous system effects, including in children. Some symptoms included:

• Seizures

• Uncoordinated movements and agitation

• Low blood pressure

When used correctly, DEET is recommended by many public health organizations, including the:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• World Health Organization

• Environmental Protection Agency

• American Academy of Pediatrics

Important guidelines to follow if you use DEET

Following these guidelines can help you safely use DEET:

• Read and follow all directions on the product label.

• Store DEET away from children and don’t let them apply it themselves.

• Don’t apply to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.

• When you apply it to your face, spray it onto your hands and rub it on your face.

• Wash it off with soap and water when you’re back indoors.

• Use the lowest concentration you need.

• Apply it to exposed skin and not under clothing.

• Don’t use concentrations higher than 30% in children, and avoid putting it on their hands and near their eyes or mouth. 

• Don’t spray it in enclosed areas. 

Are there any alternatives to DEET?

If you’re looking for alternatives to DEET, you have options. Here are some other EPA-registered repellents.

Chemical options

• Picardin seems to work as well as DEET without the odor or irritation, but it hasn’t been around as long and has less safety testing.

• IR3535 is similar or slightly less effective than DEET, although concentrations less than 10% may not be effective. It can cause eye irritation but otherwise appears safe.

• 2-Undecanone has been shown to be as effective as DEET in some tests but may not work as long.

• PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol) is also effective but may not last as long. It can irritate the lungs and shouldn’t be used in kids under 3 years old.

Natural alternatives

Products made from botanical extracts may be worth trying, but keep in mind that many aren’t registered with the EPA, so we don’t know if they’re effective. Some of these natural repellents can also irritate your skin.

• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (also contains PMD and is registered with the EPA)

• Citronella oil

• Catnip oil

• Other botanicals (like peppermint, soybean, and geranium oils)

If you’re in an area with a high risk for bug-borne diseases, it’s recommended that you stick with repellents registered with the EPA. Use their online repellent search tool to find the best one for you.

Other ways to keep pests away 

Here are some steps you can take to keep pests away without using bug sprays:

• Stay indoors or wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito periods (sunrise, sunset, and early evening).

• Avoid areas that attract mosquitos and other insects, like garbage cans and pools of standing water.

• Avoid dark clothes (where ticks can hide) and strong scents (which may attract mosquitoes)

• If sitting on a deck or patio, use a fan to blow away mosquitoes.

• When walking in woody or grassy areas, tuck your pants into your socks, wear boots, and pull your hair into a hat.

• After eating, cover exposed food and wash off any residual food your child may have. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Edited by:

Kelsey Abkin

Kelsey Abkin has been working as a journalist since 2016. She has held many titles throughout her career, including editor, content strategist, digital strategist, and writer.

Reviewed by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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