Healthier Alternatives to DEET

I traveled to Bloomington, Minn., a few weeks ago. My mom kept warning me about the mosquitoes. “Don’t forget bug spray,” she warned. “You’re going to the land of 10,000 lakes.”

Given her warnings, I wondered how anyone could live in Minnesota. Wouldn’t they be sucked dry by bloodthirsty mosquitoes? Then I remember my old friend DEET. Bugs are no match against the power of DEET, but I am concerned about rubbing it all over my exposed skin.

Anything as effective and powerful as DEET can’t be all good, which is exactly what some studies suggest. DEET has been found to cause rashes, skin irritation, numb or burning lips, nausea, headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentration in some people. A study in rats found frequent and prolonged DEET use caused “diffuse brain cell death.” I have no idea what that is, but it sounds awful. To be fair, there have been other studies that have found DEET to be relatively harmless when used occasionally and millions of people have probably used DEET with no problems.

Still, rubbing DEET on my skin and around my eyes makes me uneasy. I’ve tried other types of bug sprays in the past, but nothing seems to work as well as DEET. A healthier alternative that has hit the market in the last few years (oil of lemon eucalyptus used in OFF! Botanicals) has been approved by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and appear to be effective alternatives to DEET.

There are also some DIY mosquito repellents you can try. Read all about them here.

If you’re like me, you may want to try a healthier alternative to DEET the next time you are in Minnesota.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

KS G.

4:26AM PST on Nov 23, 2011

Thanks for the article.

send a green star

caterina c.

2:54PM PDT on Aug 8, 2011

Jackie C.

10:37AM PDT on Jun 6, 2011

I have been using various natural alternatives instead of DEET; however, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease 8 months ago. I've had luck keeping the mosquitos away, but need suggestions for keeping the ticks off. I live in PA where we are infested with these dangerous, life altering little F*@&S. Every article I read claims that DEET is the only thing that keeps the ticks off you. I have a 4 year old and truly do not want her to suffer like I am. This Lyme disease is no joke. Any suggestions???

Susana L.

9:19AM PDT on Jun 5, 2011

Thanks

John S.

11:42AM PDT on Jun 3, 2011

Thanks, I never worried about mosquito's, but then again I smoke and maybe that confuses them.

Sharon P.

2:48PM PDT on Aug 17, 2010

I love blending things together,I will try some of these.I have used peppermint and a few others,but I love new things.Thanks.Mother Earth is Awesome!Blessing!

2:45PM PDT on Aug 17, 2010

I will try some of these blends,I like mixing things up.Blessings

2:40PM PDT on Aug 17, 2010

Blessings!

JE L.

9:53PM PDT on Apr 17, 2010

Thanks.