ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – In Florida, mosquitoes can seem like a constant problem.
Recently, the Florida Department of Health confirmed two cases of dengue in Orange County.
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DEET is an active ingredient in many bug repellent products, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA said products containing DEET are available in “a variety of liquids, lotions, sprays, and impregnated materials (e.g., towelettes, roll on).” Products are available with DEET levels from 5% to 99%.
The ingredient works to make it difficult for bugs to smell humans, rather than killing the insects, the department said.
Here are ways to use DEET products safely:
- Read and follow all directions and precautions on this product label.
- Do not apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
- Do not apply to hands or near eyes and mouth of young children.
- Do not allow young children to apply this product.
- Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing.
- Do not use under clothing.
- Avoid over-application of this product.
- After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
- Wash treated clothing before wearing it again.
- Use of this product may cause skin reactions in rare cases.
Other active ingredients in our recommended products, if you prefer not to use deet, are picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Click here for a full breakdown of the best bug repellents, per consumer experts.
And to learn more about how to protect yourself from mosquitoes, including myths vs. facts, click here.
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