Bug repellent safety
Should we avoid deet?
Quick Answer - it depends
Although many in the holistic community may share deet should be avoided - this conversation, like most, is nuanced.
Deciding what bug repellent is right for you depends on where you live, play and work.
Although you may assume that I would steer you away from deet options, I don’t necessarily do this, and here’s why:
Deet risk/reward
If you are in a high-risk area for communicable diseases like Zika, West Nile virus, and Lyme disease, or in heavily wooded area - IMO - using DEET far outweighs the low-risks associated with proper use of DEET. It is shown more effective than alternatives against pests that carry these diseases that have harmful long term effects.
DEET has a bad rap because people tend to use them at concentrations that are in fact dangerous.
This is not to say that DEET is without potential risks - but studies show it is relatively safe and there's a time & place for this type of protection.
deet alternatives
The ideal concentration is 30% DEET (and not more) - it lasts about 10 hours and is safe for children under 3 years old.
If you're still not comfortable using DEET, you can look for products that contain:
20% Picaridin (not more)
20% IR3535 (not more)
30-40% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) (not to be confused with essential oil of lemon Eucalyptus - these are different things.
deet free options I love
• Badger
• Murphy’s Naturals outdoor candle
bug bite after care
These are things we use in our home when we do have bug bites that ACTUALLY
work:
I hope this helps! Share with a friend who needs it!
The information offered by me is for general educational and informational purposes only. None of this information is a substitute or replacement for professional or medical advice.
Please note that the products may contain affiliate links to products or services. I may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links. However, this does not affect the recommendations or advice provided. Any reviews or recommendations of products or services are done in good faith based on my experience, their relevance to the needs, and my belief in their value and alignment with my values. I am not responsible for any dissatisfaction with third-party products or services, and may not be held liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result of their use.