Nobody likes to be eaten alive during a picnic.  Along with charred burgers and unexpected rainstorms, insect bites are among the more frustrating elements of outdoor dining. Although these creatures are often dismissed as little more than a minor annoyance, insects can transmit diseases which pose serious threats to human health; for instance, while mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus, encephalitis, and malaria, ticks can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Given these potential health risks, experts recommend taking precautions to avoid being bitten. The most common method is the use of insect repellent. The active ingredient in most insect repellents is DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), a chemical capable of warding off insects for 3 to 8 hours, depending on concentration. i
The EPA, which regulates DEET and all other pesticides, notes that one-third of the U.S. population uses DEET every year and asserts that the product is safe when used in accordance with directions. ii However, the EPA also acknowledges that DEET is slightly toxic, and may have caused several cases of seizures in children. iii
Other experts express greater concern over the safety of DEET. Studies conducted at Duke University suggest that frequent and prolonged application of DEET may damage brain cells, causing humans to experience memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tremors, and shortness of breath. iv
According to Duke pharmacologist, Dr. Mohamed Abou-Donia, “If used sparingly, infrequently and by itself, DEET may not have negative effects… But frequent and heavy use of DEET, especially in combination with other chemicals or medications, could cause brain deficits in vulnerable populations.” v
As a result of these safety concerns, many consumers choose DEET-free insect repellents. Although this eliminates the health risks attributed to DEET, experts assert that DEET-free insect repellents are significantly less effective. Other consumers rely upon mosquito candles or mosquito coils. However, these do not protect against ticks, and are only effective within a limited range.
Despite the potential health risks associated with DEET, many individuals choose to use DEET repellents in order to protect themselves against lyme disease and other insect-borne illnesses. If you do decide to use an insect repellent that contains DEET, be sure to abide by the DEET safety precautions suggested by the EPA (see below).
The Duke Medical Center also recommends that until further studies are conducted, those who use repellents with DEET should:
- Apply the product sparingly and infrequently
- Be wary of use on children
- Never use on infants
- Never combine with other insecticides
- Never use while taking other medications vi
Fortunately, you can also reduce your exposure to mosquitoes and ticks without using potentially harmful chemicals – try these techniques:
- Avoid areas that are highly populated by mosquitoes and ticks.
- Mosquitoes are particularly active at dawn and at dusk, especially in areas near water.
- Ticks thrive in moist, shaded areas and are most active from April through October – be especially careful in areas with overgrown grasses, low-lying vegetation, and leaf litter.
- Protect yourself against mosquitoes and ticks by wearing pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat.
- When mosquitoes are especially abundant, mosquito netting or mesh insect shirts/pants/hats can be used for extra protection.
- Be sure to check for ticks, especially after spending time in areas where Lyme disease occurs regularly.
DEET Precautions
The EPA advises consumers to follow these rules when using products containing DEET: vii
- Do not apply over cuts, open wounds, or irritated skin.
- Do not apply to hands or around eyes or mouths of young children.
- Do not allow young children to apply the product themselves.
- Do not over apply – use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and clothing.
- Do not use under clothing.
- After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water. Wash clothing before wearing again.
- When using aerosols or pumps – do not use indoors, do not spray directly on your face; instead, spray on hands and then rub on your face.
- If you think you're having a negative reaction to the product, wash treated skin and call a poison control center or your doctor.
So get out there and enjoy the summer!
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