As mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and malaria are becoming more and more widespread, people are out in a search for an effective solution for preventing mosquito bites. Consequently they may be relying on chemical based insect repellents made with deet. Although deet can provide effective protection from mosquito bites for long hours, they are found to be dangerous not only for mosquitoes but also for our own health. As media to a greater extent is exposing the dangers posed by deet, a gradual change in the approach of people towards natural based insect repellants is also seen currently.

Deet is the short for N,N dimethyl-toluamide belongs to toluene family. Even though it is approved by EPA to be included in insect repellents, EPA itself suggests that deet should not be used frequently. This toxic chemical can cause neurological damage and can largely affect the neurobehavioral tasks requiring muscle-coordination. Its toxicity can easily affect the children especially the infants than adults because of their higher surface area to body mass ratio. The fact that any substance especially one which is in the liquid form can get easily absorbed by the skin and can eventually reach the blood stream points that toxic effects of deet can also easily reach inside the body. It is found that about 56% of deet can get inside the skin and 17% of deet gets absorbed by the blood stream.

Usage of deet is strictly prohibited for children less than 6 months. EPA suggests that only less than 10% concentration can be applied for children under 12 years. Studies show that deet concentration over 30% to be involved with high health risks like disorientation, head ache, agitation, seizure, anaphylaxis and coma. In this context, relying upon natural based insect repelling solutions is far more a better choice. Many natural oils like eucalyptus oil, citronella oil etc is known to be best natural insect repellents. Their strong smell can easily drive away the mosquitoes from your side and is also completely safe for people of all ages.

With an intention for providing an efficient alternative for toxic deet based repellents, researchers in Australia and china has developed an efficient mosquito repellent soap named-Skin Armour Deep Woods Outdoor Soap. The soap has been made with an effective blend of natural oils like citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, lavendula, menthol and calendula. Their combined effect can offer protection for about eight hours which is quite unachievable for any other natural insect repellents. The combined effect of all these natural oils can easily drive away the mosquitoes from you and can also perform an efficient mechanism for healing the mosquito bites.