Is 30% DEET enough?

Is 30% DEET enough?

Deet. Many people assume that the more deet (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) a product contains, the better. But our tests find that there’s no need to use higher concentrations; products with 15 to 30 percent deet can provide long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and ticks.

What is a good percentage for DEET?

When it comes to a strong chemical such as DEET, it’s best to avoid overexposure. So if you want to use DEET, skip the high concentrations. Opt for 7-to-10 percent if you only need a few hours of protection. If you need all-day protection, look for 20-30 percent DEET, ideally in a time-release formulation.

What is DEET 30%?

This 30% DEET bug spray provides ultimate protection for the entire family and is proven to repel disease-carrying insects, including ticks and mosquitoes that may carry Lyme disease, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and dengue fever.

Is 40 DEET too much?

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied often, while DEET should not be used more than once a day. DEET concentrations higher than 30% are not more effective and the chemical (which is absorbed through the skin) in high amounts can be toxic.

How long does 30 DEET last?

“A 7% DEET will give you about 90 minutes of protection, and you can always reapply it as needed,” Day says. A 30% product, he says, will last up to 10 hours.

Does bug spray without DEET work?

After a thorough investigation of bug sprays, Consumer Reports found that deet-free products can actually work better, which is the first time the magazine has ever come to this conclusion. The items that took the top spot listed “picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus as the active ingredients,” reports TIME.com.

What percentage of DEET is safe for toddlers?

When used on children, insect repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET. Insect repellents are not recommended for children younger th an 2 months of age.

How is DEET harmful?

There have also been scattered research reports tying DEET to health concerns. One 2009 study concluded that DEET may prevent the normal breakdown of acetylcholine, a nervous system chemical that triggers movement and muscle activity. Some older research has also tied DEET to seizures or brain toxicity in children.