Mosquito Repellents

DEET, or N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, is by far the most effective mosquito repellant on the market today. DEET is a synthetic chemical repellant, essentially a poison that makes humans unattractive to mosquitoes. DEET is effective when sprayed on the skin and clothing because it overpowers skin odor and carbon dioxide from our breathing - essentially what attracts mosquitoes to us.

DEET is added to many popular brand insect repellants such as OFF! Repellants with higher concentrations of DEET will provide longer-lasting protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects.

DEET mosquito repellants can be purchased in most grocery stores and drug stores in recommended concentrations of 30% or less. Some camping and sporting goods stores sell DEET in higher concentrations, but overexposure may cause dizziness and allergic reactions. DEET products with more than 10% concentration should never be used on children.

As with any chemical substance, DEET mosquito repellant should be applied using these safety precautions:

• Consult the product label to see how frequently you need to reapply mosquito repellant.
• If you get wet or sweat you may need to reapply more frequently.
• Cover any exposed skin or clothing with DEET mosquito repellant.
• Don't apply mosquito repellant with DEET to skin under clothing.
• Avoid spraying DEET mosquito repellant in or around open cuts or irritated skin.
• Don't spray DEET mosquito repellant in enclosed areas or near food.
• Spray DEET mosquito repellant onto your hands then carefully apply it to the face.
• Wash DEET mosquito repellant off with soapy water after outdoor activity is over.

DEET mosquito repellants are available in aerosol sprays, pumps, lotions and moist towelettes for between $5 and $25 online.

Click the links above for some leading online suppliers of mosquito control and DEET mosquito repellants!