DEET

DEET is a synthetic insect repellent applied to skin or clothing to reduce bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting arthropods.

Olfaction in Insects: Insects detect airborne chemicals through specialized sensory neurons, chiefly in antennae and other sensory organs. DEET interferes with chemical cues insects use to locate and approach hosts.
Mosquito-Borne Disease: Mosquito-borne diseases are infections transmitted to people or animals through mosquito bites. Repelling mosquitoes can reduce exposure to vectors of diseases such as malaria and dengue.
United States Department of Agriculture: The United States Department of Agriculture is a federal agency responsible for agriculture, food, and related research. USDA researchers developed DEET while investigating repellents for military use.
DEET Safety: DEET safety concerns the health effects and risks associated with using DEET products. Evidence supports safe use as directed, while misuse and rare adverse reactions remain relevant.
Mosquito Olfaction: Mosquitoes use odor-sensitive receptors to detect host cues such as carbon dioxide and skin odor. Experiments show DEET can alter mosquito responses to attractive host odors.
Tick-Borne Disease: Tick-borne diseases are infections transmitted through the bites of infected ticks. DEET is used to help prevent tick bites, though treated clothing and checks remain important.
United States Army: The United States Army is the land warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces. Army needs for protecting personnel in insect-heavy environments drove DEET's development.
Skin Absorption: Skin absorption is the passage of substances from the skin surface into underlying tissues or circulation. Only a portion of applied DEET is absorbed, and absorption varies with formulation and conditions.
Odorant Receptors: Odorant receptors are proteins in sensory neurons that help detect volatile chemicals. Some proposed explanations for DEET involve its effects on insect odorant-receptor signaling.
Insect Repellent Formulation: An insect repellent formulation combines an active ingredient with solvents or other materials for practical use. Formulation affects DEET's spread, feel, evaporation, and protection time.

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DiethylamineBroader topic: Diethylamine is a feedstock in the manufacture of this repellent.