Does DEET Repel Gnats?

You get to your garden to spend some ME time reading a book or listening to a song while also enjoying the environment. 

But suddenly, you get bit by a gnat. How annoying it would be. Well, you are not alone here. 

Luckily, there is one quick solution to repel these nasty gnats, DEETs, which is a human-made chemical that is proven to deter insects. 

Important Note: If you're tired of pests and want a reliable solution, then you should definitely consider seeking help from a professional pest control company. DIY solutions can be effective, but if you're dealing with a significant pest infestation, you don't want to rely solely on DIY methods. Pest control companies typically don't charge huge fees. You can fill out this form to receive free quotes from the top local pest control companies, and compare the quotes and see for yourself. Then, finally, your pest problems will be eliminated for good.

But is it effective enough to deter gnats? How does it work? Are they safe to use? 

Do you have these questions boggling your mind? Then you are in luck as this article will address all the questions and tell you whether or not to use DEET. Without further ado, let’s get started. 

Does Deet Repel Gnats?

Does DEET Repel Gnats?

The answer is yes. DEET repels gnats. But you must ensure whether the repellent you use is strong enough to repel gnats

If you wonder how it works, when DEET is applied to the skin, this chemical confuses the receptors present in the insect’s antennae, which helps detect body heat, CO2, and skin chemicals. So this deters the insects, in our case, the gnats, from landing on the skin and biting. 

Also, there is no such limit on how much DEET you must apply to your skin. The higher the percentage of DEET applied to your skin just extends the time of its repelling power. 

Though it also depends on our individual skin conditions and if we are allergic to certain other components used. So ensure it is personally safe for you before going ahead and in case of any discomfort, contact your physician immediately.

What Bugs Does Deet Repel?

DEET has proven to kill mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and many biting insects, including gnats. It is also estimated about one-third of the US population uses DEET to protect them from insects. 

Why Is DEET  Bad For You?

Does DEET Kill Gnats?

DEET is an active ingredient used in almost all insect repellents for more than half a century. It is still standing strong and keeping away  deadly insects from us, and gnats are no exception.

But the problem is some people have a negative experience using DEET.

People have reported rashes or irritated skin after using DEET, whereas some alarming effects associated with the usage include aggressive behavior, seizures, agitation, uncoordinated movements, and low blood pressure. 

However, DEET breaks down quickly in the environment, so it isn’t considered harmful to wildlife. 

Conclusion

DEET is widely used to repel insects such as gnats and mosquitos. Though some reports have pointed out the negative effects of DEET, they are quite safe when an optimal amount of repellent is used. 

For instance, the recommended DEET percentage in insect repellant is 25 to 30 percent. If you use products that exceed this limit, you are likely to get affected. However, DEET isn’t safe for children. 

That’s a wrap now. Thanks for reading through!

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Author

Daniel White
I'm Daniel White, and I live in Jacksonville, Florida. The warm and humid climate of Florida gives an ideal habitat for many different kinds of pests. So, if I had to live in Florida, I had to learn how to deal with these pests. Now, I have 7 years of experience in Pest Control.

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