DEET big repellent?

AlexandAnn

Hey ladies! What kind of insect repellent are you using this summer? I know they say it's safe, but I've heard mixed reviews on DEET...

PerraSucia

On my little dude we use the Avon skin so sweet but the smell makes so ill 

tclayton53

My OB recommended Deet since the Zika virus is a concern. 

Xstatic3333

I'm using low-test DEET (7%). 

laurenmichael725

I hate it, but I'm using off deep woods with substantial deet. One recommended specifically for Zika prevention. 

blush64

I use a spray with DEET. I was told it's fine but I have not done a lot of research on it.

Tennis11785

I've been using a Lemon Eucalyptus spray by Cutter.  The CDC says that Lemon Eucalyptus is just as effective as DEET (source:https://www.cdc.gov/mala…/resources/…/fsp/repellents_2015.pdf)

Here is the link to the product on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00860Y3DQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

TarHeelBex

This was an alternate to DEET also proven effective against Zika and safe in pregnancy: Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Lotion, 4-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VV5KRD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BYvLxbYN9D2GY

I prefer the smell to the DEET I was using (which was Ben's 30% DEET)

bdesterhouse

I had read any of the bug sprays with less than 10% deet were safe. My husband is using the max protection and my son and I use one that has 7% deet. 

Xstatic3333

Yeah, even the Environmental Working Group, a VERY anti-chemical watchdog group, is recommending DEET at low concentrations for pregnant women with any Zika risk in their area. I normally hate the stuff and will just take the bites, but apparently it really is safe for pregnancy so I'm making myself use it this year. I haven't found a DEET-free option that will reliably work for me, but I'm one of those very mosquito-prone people. There are some EO options I'd like to try next year, but a lot of those aren't pregnancy safe and I don't want to rely on Google to figure all that out when there are so many people spreading bad EO advice these days. 

Edit: Link. Note this article gives some concerns about using lemon eucalyptus, so if that's been working for you may be best to check with your doc. 

https://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents/pregnant#block0

bdesterhouse

Oh also, I learned that if you use degree men's deodorant you are more likely to be bit. There is something in it that the mosquitos are attracted to for some reason this year. I don't know how much merit this has, but it was a nurse friend in L&D that gave me the heads up. 

MrsDramaK

TarHeelBex said:

This was an alternate to DEET also proven effective against Zika and safe in pregnancy: Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Lotion, 4-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VV5KRD8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BYvLxbYN9D2GY

I prefer the smell to the DEET I was using (which was Ben's 30% DEET)

Consumer Report actually rated the Sawyer with Picaridin as number 1 in effectiveness against Zika mosquitoes.

Tennis11785

@Xstatic3333 - thanks for sharing that link.  The CDC page I found didn't say anything about pregnancy, but definitely something I'll ask my dr. about.  Better safe than sorry.  

br00kstar

My doctor recommended DEET (up to 30%) as being safe and effective. I tried lemon eucalyptus and it didn't work for me. After getting a couple bites I switched to DEET and didn't get any more. 

CallMeLauraJane

I use 100% DEET b/c I hate fracking mosquitoes.

jab3-2

I use the OFF stuff that has 25 percent DEET and it works pretty well for me. I'm one of those that is prone to getting bites too. 

LaurenAshley04

We are not in an area with the Zika virus so I am using an herbal bug spray (im also outside very rarely lately). If I was in an area of concern I would be using a Deet based spray.