"N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) is the most effective, and best studied, insect repellent .(DEET) remains the gold standard of currently available insect repellents."
Mark A. Fradin, M.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Annals of Internal Medicine, June 1, 1998 [click here to see article]

Consumer Reports magazine published test results for insect repellents in June of 2000 that clearly showed products containing DEET are far more effective than repellents without DEET. All nine products with DEET in the test protected against mosquitoes for at least three hours. All were effective against ticks, except for three that are not labeled for ticks and had low concentrations of DEET.

The four repellents lacking DEET in the Consumer Reports test fared poorly. "As for the products that rely on plant oils to repel bugs, only the soybean oil of Bug Blocker® offered any mosquito protection worth noting. and the Avon Skin So Soft® with citronella did not protect our testers: Mosquitoes bit their arms at the earliest opportunity."

Consumer Reports concluded, "Clearly any potential risk is very low and is outweighed by the benefits of avoiding insect-borne disease."

Consumers can choose among numerous products in a variety of forms, such as liquids, creams, sticks, sprays and towelettes. Concentrations range from 5% to 100%. For more on concentrations see our "Frequently Asked Questions."

"DEET can be used safely on children and adults but should be applied according to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( www.cdc.gov )