What percentage of DEET is most effective in an insect repellent?

What percentage of DEET is most effective in an insect repellent?

Maximum protection is achieved at 30% DEET formulations—higher concentration levels simply make your protection last longer. Controlled-release formulas, though, which include just 20 to 30 percent DEET, provide protection for up to 12 hours.

How much DEET do you need to repel mosquitoes?

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.

Is 7% DEET enough?

A higher concentration of DEET doesn’t mean it’s more effective — it just means it lasts longer. The more DEET a product contains, the longer it will protect you from insects. For example, if you plan to do some gardening in the yard for only an hour or so, a product with 5 to 7 percent DEET should be enough.

Is 30% DEET bad?

Personal insect repellents containing DEET can be used safely when applied as directed and in the right concentration, depending on age. The right concentration of DEET for: adults and children older than 12 years old is up to 30%

Is 40% DEET enough?

Because it is likely to be more expensive, and depending upon how long you need protection, 4 percent DEET may be all you need. Research has shown that a higher concentration of DEET does not improve its repellent properties, but does provide longer-lasting protection.

What concentration of DEET should I use?

While DEET is effective at small concentrations, higher concentrations offer protection for a longer period of time. For example, about 5 percent DEET protects for about 90 minutes, while about 25 percent DEET may provide about five hours of protection. The highest recommended concentration is 30 percent.

Is 15 DEET safe?

Also: Do not use a single product containing both sunscreen and DEET. 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.

What’s wrong with DEET?

People that have left DEET products on their skin for extended periods of time have experienced irritation, redness, a rash, and swelling. People that have swallowed products containing DEET have experienced stomach upset, vomiting, and nausea. Very rarely, exposure to DEET has been associated with seizures in people.