Natural Bug Repellent vs. DEET

Warmer weather brings about a new season of fun, outdoor activities with friends and family. It also brings out pesky mosquitos and other bugs that always bother us during the spring and summer months. While you’re getting ready for outdoor sports and activities, maybe think twice about what you use to protect your skin from future (yet inevitable) bug bites.

DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a commonly used insect repellent that has been widely used for over 60 years. It is found in many popular insect repellent sprays, lotions, and other products designed to protect against mosquito and tick bites. While it is effective at keeping insects away, there are some harmful effects of DEET that are important to understand.

First and foremost, DEET is a toxic chemical that can cause skin irritation, rashes, and blistering. In rare cases, it can even lead to more severe reactions such as seizures and coma. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of DEET, and it should be avoided whenever possible.

Another concern with DEET is its environmental impact. DEET has been found to be toxic to aquatic life and can accumulate in the soil and water. It can also be harmful to beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are crucial for pollination and maintaining biodiversity.

There are also concerns about the long-term effects of DEET on human health. Some studies have suggested that DEET exposure may be linked to neurological and developmental problems, as well as liver and kidney damage.

In America, we are exposed to toxins on a daily basis…so at GRR, we say... go as natural as possible! If anything, give “natural” products a chance and go from there! We sell our own Bugs Away Repellent Spray, safe for children and pregnant mothers too. We even have a Bug Bite Relief oil that you can use topically for irritation. This calming treatment is amazing for when you forget to apply your repellant or if bugs just like you that much. The best part about it… it’s small, travel size, and you can apply it as many times as you need to throughout the day (and it smells good)!

Fortunately, there are many natural and safer alternatives to DEET that can be used to repel insects. These include essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint, as well as herbal repellents containing ingredients like neem and eucalyptus, which are used in our repellant product.

While DEET is an effective insect repellent, it can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. It is important to be aware of these risks and to use safer alternatives whenever possible. By choosing natural and safer insect repellents, we can protect ourselves from insect bites without compromising our health or the health of our planet. Ultimately, it’s best to be aware of the harms and benefits of using DEET… like when traveling to another country where malaria or dengue is present… probably best to use the real stuff and not risk a horrible sickness! (Trust me… I know… I am a survivor of dengue fever from Africa and 10 out of 10 - DO NOT RECOMMEND lol).

We love research and we encourage you to do the same for you and your family! Rule of thumb, if you are using something consistently, make sure the product is kind and beneficial to your body in more ways than one. If it’s an occasional use with maximum benefits, like Ibuprofen for example, then go for it… no sense in suffering either!

We hope you find this helpful! Best of luck in your fight against mosquito season 🦟 🤛🏻

Be Well & Take Care!

Gina Nasta Mende

COO, Business Developer

"Rooted in Nature, Blooming with Wellness."

Originally published: April 12, 2023

RESEARCH:

EPA Information on DEET

Consumer Reports

DEET & Children