How does DEET work?

If you’ve ever shopped around for a good insect repellent, you’ll probably know there’s more than one option out there. Ingredients such as DEET, IR3535 and naturally based substances like eucalyptus citradora all offer protection, but they work in different ways.

Some repellents are designed for longer-lasting protection, while others prioritise everyday comfort or gentleness on skin. How long you’ll be outdoors, how active you’ll be and who the repellent is for can all influence which option makes most sense.

Before applying anything, it’s worth taking a moment to understand what’s in your repellent, how it works and how it fits with your lifestyle, so protection feels as straightforward as possible.

How does DEET work to repel insects?

To put it simply, DEET works by disrupting the way insects track down their targets – in this case, us.

Mosquitoes and other biting insects don’t rely on sight alone. They navigate using a sophisticated sensory system that picks up carbon dioxide from breath and a complex mix of skin odours. DEET interferes with this process.

Rather than acting as a smell insects dislike, DEET confuses their sensory receptors. When it’s applied to skin, it makes it harder for insects to recognise human scent cues as ‘food’. This means insects struggle to identify you as a target and are less likely to land and bite.

DEET doesn’t kill insects and it doesn’t form a physical barrier on your skin. Its effectiveness comes from altering behaviour – so insects may approach but then veer away, fail to land or leave quickly without biting.

Other repellents work in similar but slightly different ways. IR3535, for example, also interferes with the insects’ ability to recognise humans, but is often described as gentler on skin and less noticeable in use. It disrupts attraction cues without the strong smell or feel some people associate with DEET, which is why it’s commonly chosen for family or everyday use.

Our Wasp-Eze® Insect Repellent Max Strength Lotion and Spray both provide up to eight hours of odourless, DEET-free protection against mosquitoes, ticks and biting insects. The alcohol-free lotion is suitable from birth, while the spray is suitable for ages one year and over.

Naturally based repellents have a similar but often broader effect. As well as masking human odours like other repellents do, some plant-based ingredients create smells that insects prefer to avoid. These products are effective, but may need more frequent reapplication.

For example, our Wasp-Eze® Insect Repellent Roll-on and Pump Spray are ideal for everyday use and provide up to four hours of protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects. Suitable for six-month-old babies and up, this naturally-based choice is great for all the family.

Ultimately, while the mechanisms vary to some degree, all repellents aim to achieve the same thing: making you far less attractive to mosquitoes and other biting insects.

Can you put DEET on clothes?

While many people worry about the effects of spraying repellents on their skin, there’s another thing to consider: what will it do to our clothes and other textiles like bags or watch straps?

DEET is primarily designed for use on exposed skin. Applying it to clothing can add an extra layer of protection, particularly around areas like your ankles, cuffs and collars – any areas where insects might try to reach unexposed skin where you haven’t applied repellent.

With that said, DEET is a strong solvent and can damage certain materials. Some synthetic fabrics, waterproof coatings, plastics and accessories may discolour or degrade if sprayed directly.

For this reason, it’s often recommended to apply DEET to skin first and then get dressed, rather than treating clothing heavily. If you need to reapply during the day, it may be best to apply the repellent to your hands and rub it onto your skin to avoid stray droplets landing on clothing.

IR3535-based repellents tend to be more fabric-friendly. They’re less likely to damage clothing and may be a better choice for light application on outer layers, making them a popular option for everyday use or family settings.

Naturally based repellents are generally gentler again and can often be used on clothing more freely, depending on the exact ingredients used. If you’re heading outdoors and want to apply repellent to your clothing, it’s a good idea to avoid synthetic fabrics to be on the safe side.

Whichever repellent you choose, it’s always best to follow the product instructions and test on a small area first if you’re unsure.

At the end of the day, choosing a formula that suits how you dress, where you’re going and how long you need protection makes it easier to stay comfortable and bite-free, so you can enjoy your time outdoors without the worry.