DEET (chemical name N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is used as the active ingredient in many insect repellents. Insect repellents that contain DEET offer the best protection against mosquito bites. DEET is designed for direct application to skin to repel insects, rather than
kill them. Products containing DEET currently are available to the public in a
variety of liquids, lotions, sprays, and impregnated materials (e.g., wrist bands). Concentrations of DEET in products that are designed for application to skin range from 4% to 100%.