Question:
This is a general question offered for my enlightenment.
Our family has made an insect repellent for over 80 years now and we are
wondering about new directions for its continued survival.
Agriculture Canada has recommended we replace one of the ingredients with
DEET (Di-ethyl-?-toluamide) which is found in many other repellents.
From anecdotal information I have heard of DEET melting fishing rods and
plastics and causing problems with sensitive skin.
I would appreciate anyone who can tell me from DIRECT experience of these
problems.
Answer:
-I haven't had any problems with DEET myself.
Let me just mention that DEET is the *only* ingredient currently
recommended to repel Lyme disease-causing ticks.
I wouldn't bet my health on anything else.
-DEET is an incredibly potent neurotoxin, meaning it interferes with nerve
conduction. An example of its effect is, after applying a high-DEET insect
repellent on arms and legs, I touched my lips, I guess to scratch an itch or
something. Anyway, my lips went tingly and numb for about ten minutes,
spreading to my lower face. I know the lips are thinner skin than regular
epidermis, but still, since that day I don't put any DDET directly on my skin.
My suggestion: put DEET on your socks, collar and clothes hems, so it is
near your exposed skin, but not ON it. Also, on buggy nights I put some on the
tag of my sleepingbag (not on the taffeta, it will dissolve that too). The tag
is heavier material, and I don't mind that you can't read the letters anymore,
and it is near my face. This system has worked successfully for me for years.
There are also citrus repellents available, I have a friend who swears by them,
but she is sensitive to many chemicals and can't use DEET.
