what is deet in bug spray

DEET, which stands for N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, is the active ingredient in many insect repellent products. It is widely used to repel biting pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, and fleas. DEET works by making it hard for these biting bugs to smell humans, rather than killing them. It was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 and has been used by the general public in the United States since 1957. DEET is available in a variety of forms, including liquids, lotions, sprays, and impregnated materials. The concentration of DEET in repellent determines how long the protection lasts, with concentrations ranging from 5 to 99%. It is important to follow the directions on the label when using DEET-based bug spray, especially when applying it to children, to ensure safe and effective use.