Use and Application of Insect Repellents

P. G. Koehler, R. M. Pereira, and R. A. Allen

Release Date: 10/13/2022

Reviewed At: 2/4/2025

DOI: 10.32473/edis-ig122-1994

Agriculture

Abstract

This document discusses the use and application of insect repellents, focusing on DEET and its alternatives. DEET has been effective for over 45 years but has potential adverse effects. New repellents like picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus offer similar protection with fewer side effects. The article provides guidelines for selecting and applying DEET products, minimizing exposure, and using repellents on children. It also highlights the importance of reading labels and following instructions to ensure safe and effective use. Publication date: March 1994.

About this Publication

This document is ENY-260, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date March 1994. Revised May 1997, February 2008, October 2013, and February 2022. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

P. G. Koehler, professor emeritus; R. M. Pereira, Extension professor; and R. A. Allen, former graduate student; Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Koehler, P. G., Pereira, R. M., & Allen, R. A. (2011). Use and Application of DEET Repellent. EDIS, 2011(5/6). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ig122-1994