Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₁₇NO

Synonymes:

Detamide; Metadelphene; MGK; Off; Diethyltoluamide; Deet; Delphene; N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide; diethyl-m-toluamide; 3-methyl-N,N-diethylbenzamide; m-toluic acid diethylamide; ai 3-22542

Physical Properties:

About DEET

DEET is an insect repellent on humans. It is an especially affective repellent on mosquitos. It is also a repellent for biting flies, gnats, chiggers, ticks, fleas, and certain other biting insects. It was discovered and developed by scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was patented by the U.S. Army in 1946. Later in 1957 it was registered for use by the generel public in 1957. Twenty years of research into insecticides has not resulted in an insecticide that works as well or on as many insects as DEET.

DEET works to rpel biting insects, by blocking the receptors on an insect's antennae which help it home in on its host.

Is DEET Safe to use?

Recently there have been increasing debates as to whether DEET is a safe substance to use on human skin. DEET has has extensive independant research into its safety for several years and has proved safe to use as long as safety instructions are followed. The most common complaints are eye and skin irritation. Deet is not for use on the eyes and should be applied carefully on to the face by first spraying it on to your face and then carefully rubbing on to your face. DEET can be a skim irritant but does not create a skin sensitivity. For more safety guidelines go to the US Environmental Protection Agency website.

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