DEET still the gold standard.So, you think you've found some insect repellents that work better than DEET, NSN NSN National Stock Number NSN Nokia Siemens Networks NSN National Storytelling Network NSN NATO Stock Number NSN New Substances Notification (CEPA) NSN National Student Number (NZ) NSN Never Say Never 6840-01-284-3982. You know the ones we mean: repellents containing picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus eucalyptus (y  'kəlĭp`təs): see myrtle. eucalyptus . Well, think again. The Army has not okayed these repellents. It has approved only DEET, which has proven to be safe, effective and long-lasting. It's still the gold standard of repellents. DEET's reputation is based not just on tests, but also on a 50-year history of worldwide use against a variety of pests: mosquitoes, sand flies, tsetse flies tsetse fly (tsĕt`sē), name for any of several bloodsucking African flies of the genus Glossina, and in the same family as the housefly. , chiggers chiggers Harvest mites, red mites Dermatology Larvae of the family Trombiculidae, genus Eutrombicula–southern US, Trombicula–Europe which causes skin infestation Habitat Berry patches, tall grass, weeds, woods. Cf Chiggers. and other biting insects. Using DEET * Apply a thin coat of DEET to uncovered skin. One application wards off insects for up to 12 hours, depending on the climate. * Do not apply over cuts, wounds, sunburned sun·burn n. Inflammation or blistering of the skin caused by overexposure to direct sunlight. tr. & intr.v. sun·burned or sun·burnt , sun·burn·ing, sun·burns To affect or be affected with sunburn. or irritated skin. Avoid the eyes and lips. Apply sparingly around the ears. * Do not apply repellent when you're near food. * Keep in mind, between dusk and dawn are the prime hours for biting insects--especially mosquitoes and sand fleas. * Wash your treated skin with soap and water when you're no longer exposed to biting insects. * For the maximum protection against biting insects, use the DoD Insect Repellent System. The system includes: --treating clothing with permethrin permethrin /per·meth·rin/ (per-meth´rin) a topical insecticide used in the treatment of infestations by Pediculus humanus capitis, Sarcoptes scabiei, or any of various ticks; also applied to objects such as furniture and bedding. --applying DEET to exposed skin --wearing your uniform properly (roll sleeves down, tuck pants into boots and wear an undershirt that's tucked into pants) --sleeping under a permethrin-treated bed net |
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