Best Mosquito Products with DEET

With so many products on the market, it can be a little confusing and difficult to know which ones to buy. Sometimes having a little extra knowledge and information can help you make better-informed decisions. Continue reading to learn a little more about DEET, mosquitos, and how you can protect yourself.

DEET is a very well-known and popular insect repellent. It is often times the active ingredient used in various insect repellent products. The EPA estimates that about one-third of the U.S. population uses DEET to combat mosquitos as well as ticks and other biting insects.

DEET was originally developed by the U.S. Army for military use, but since it’s been registered for general public use, it is highly depended on. Nearly 30 different companies have made products that contain DEET. It is highly effective and works by making it hard for biting bugs to smell people.

Contrary to some popular belief in recent years, DEET is safe to use. While a small number of users may experience negative reactions to DEET, they are very rare. Generally, DEET has been proven to be safe, and there is no direct evidence proving that DEET normally harms the nervous system.

The obvious answer to this question is to keep mosquitos away, which in turn prevents them from biting. Mosquito bites usually leave bumps that are very itchy and irritating. One mosquito bite is bad enough, but multiple bites can spell out misery for some people.

Additionally, protection against mosquitos is important because some mosquitos can carry harmful viruses. A well-known virus carried by mosquitos is the West Nile virus. Other viruses they can transmit to humans are yellow fever, malaria, and some kinds of brain infections.

While you may want to guard yourself against mosquitos because they are an annoyance and cause irritating and itchy bites, the larger picture shows that they can transmit these harmful viruses. It is very important to protect yourself and your loved ones, as no one knows which mosquitos are carrying which viruses.

Mosquitos, which is Spanish for “little fly,” are flying insects that feed mostly on fruit and plant nectar. Some people may not know this, but only the female mosquitos bite humans and animals. They do this because they use the protein found in our blood to help her develop her eggs.

There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitos in the world, and about 175 of them are found within the United States. Some of these species are known to carry certain viruses that can be transmitted to humans through a bite.

Mosquitos start their life in the water. The water is vital to eggs. Once hatched, the young mosquitos will feed on organic material within the water until they are developed enough to fly away.
The reason that mosquitos come out in the summer is simple: they enjoy the warmer temperatures. Should they live long enough, a mosquito will hibernate at temperatures less than 50 degrees. When the temperature reaches over 80, mosquitos are happy to come out.

However, the lifespan of a mosquito averages at about two months. That’s not very long, but the females are known to lay up to 300 eggs at a time. At that rate, it is easy to see how the species carries on as it does.

The first mode of protection is simple: use bug sprays, lotions, wipes, etc. when you know you are going to be outside for an extended period of time. Any preventative measure such as these will significantly decrease your chances of getting bit.

If you know you are likely to get bit, wear appropriate clothing. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and boots. Hats are generally helpful, too. If it’s hot outside, wear light fabrics. Tucking in your shirt can help.

Utilize mosquito netting. There are several netting products available as small as hat netting to as large as hammock netting. These products physically create a barrier that insects can’t get through. They are great for outdoor activities, especially camping, and are extremely effective.

Always check yourself when you come inside from a long outing. Aside from mosquitos, other insects can find their way into your clothing. Ticks are a big one to check for. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so always double check to make sure you did not bring any bugs in with you on your person, clothing, or items.