How does DEET work? The science behind mosquito repellent.

Deet! It makes feet feel funny! We explore the science behind DEET the most effective insect repellent on the market. Is it safe? How does it work? Surprisingly, nobody knew until a very thorough study completed in 2019. Spoiler, it has nothing to do with their face/noses!

Destructive Creativity and Jonathan Allers are dedicated to providing safe and fun science facts and experiments for all ages over 13 years old. we have new content coming out every week so be sure to subscribe to stay up to date.

[jacobgarcia]

Hate is strong word. I don't really hate much of anything. But I do have a deep hatred for mosquitoes.

[Mekanik_Joe]

Dude, I appreciate the informative video. We have two small ponds on our 11 acres. We just moved here(2 months ago) so we are new to this level of mosquitos. I've been using 40% deet, and my wife and 1 yr old have been applying lemon and eucalyptus tree oil. They have had a few bites and I have had none. Tonight they applied 20% deet and never once complained of the mosquitos. Deet is doing well. I hope there are no long term effects.

[davidfont]

The info earned this video a line but your hate for mosquitoes earned you a sub.

[iwayamazeki]

I hate them too. When I was a teenager, I worked on top of a haystack in the hot summer sun wearing a heavy leather jacket, just to keep the mosquitoes at bay. The old farmers got a lot of enjoyment out of teasing me about that!

[GodsWordMadeSimple]

I am COMPLETELY with you on your hatred of those little buggers!!! I commented on your comment below as far as how I avoid them, but once again, a great video, thanks for teaching me something (had NO idea about the feet... hopefully they never learn to wear shoes ;) )

[Oh.its.multiple]

I love this video! Thank you for explaining and telling about the most recent researches. I'd do anything and everything to scare those annoying, itchie bastards away for a loooong time!

[DestructiveCreativity]

I hate mosquitos! how do you like to try and avoid them?

[LinguaLidiya]

Awesome video! Great information, I enjoyed watching it.

[hughwoatmeigh]

Here's what I don't get - if they don't like how it feels on their feet, they must have learned that, because I will see them land on me with no DEET, but don't see them land with DEET.

[joshjosh]

I remember it showing up as a nerve agent on our testing paper in the army.
😆.
but it does work.

[alexwang]

In Canada we can only buy up to 30% DEET; i wish i could just get a tube of 99% DEET, dip in and dip out

[mr.j]

I’m not sure I believe the whole “feet” thing because when you have the repellant on they never land on you so how can you explain that?

[bravohomie]

Now I'm wondering how they came up with that chemical composition haha

[moxxy]

So we're one small mutation away from deet becoming totally useless 😭

[saintessa]

I assumed when you put it on, it would absorb and repel through sweat or something. SO when using this repellent are you supposed to apply it all over?

[Erwinsteen]

I also often get a bit enraged when i have mosquitos in my house, it is irrational, its not like they are doing it for fun.. they just do it to survive just like we have to drink water to survive 😅

[GunKleebo]

You don't know why you feel angry when you see one sucking your blood? I do, they're the most dangerous bug on the planet.

[texasdebs]

Don't do that. Don't wear a vest with a tee shirt.

(I gave it a like)

[iwayamazeki]

"Die - ethel - tall - you - ay - mide "

[thusharafernando]

i don't think this is how it works. i normally don't apply DEET spray on my skin, i just spray it surfaces around where i am sitting at, if i am sitting on a chair i will spray it on the legs on the chair and the back of the chair. this will keep the mosquitos away. So i don't think it has anything to do with the mosquitos feet feeling funny since i'm not applying it on my skin.