Segment 4, July 8th, 2023

An oft asked question during adventure travel season is, “what’s the best insect repellant”?

The answer comes from the owner of Charlotte outdoor store, Jesse Brown’s.  Bill Bartee explains in this Carolina Outdoor segment, that the repellant helps prevent bites & the illnesses that come from mosquitos & ticks.  These animals help spread germ & disease such as ZIKA Virus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, & Lyme Disease. Those concerns outweigh the concern that should be had by using DEET.  However we should still now which one is best.

When preparing for a trip you will find different concentration & mixtures using DEET.  The best two are:

100% DEET, offers the longest period of time for protection.  While being the highest concentrate brings concerns to many, you should only apply this to exposed skin.  In fact, 100% DEET can be used very sparingly, like applying cologne or perfume.  On your neck, wrists, arms, ankles, & legs (if not covered by clothing).  100% DEET will keep the bugs away but should only be used by adults.

30% DEET, is what the American Medical Association recommended in their 1998 report.  Although application is the same as 100% DEET, using 30% DEET can be used more often but should still be applied by adults.  You’ll find on your trip that you’ll just apply the 30% DEET more frequently.

Notes about DEET:

1. Apply to only exposed skin

2. 100% DEET you may apply once a day, while 30% DEET can be twice

3. When you’re back to your lodge, resort, hotel, or home, wash off the DEET

4. Don’t use DEET on children less than 2 months old

Don’t eat or drink DEET.  If it is accidentally consumed, drink a small amount of water & call Poison Control 800-222-1222.

Other preventions at the outdoor store in Charlotte are:

1. Long Sleeved Shirts, Long Pants, & hats.

2. Be most careful at dusk and dawn (that’s when the mosquitos are most active).

3. Check yourself for ticks after each day.

information was also taken from EPA & POISON CONTROL