AUSTIN, Texas — Walk up to the summer insect repellent display at any store and you’ll see a variety of options — some containing DEET, others proudly claiming to be DEET-free.
       When it comes to avoiding insect bites, health experts agree: DEET is the best choice. However, despite this consensus, some consumers remain skeptical. Some people wonder how safe the chemical is and whether they should use it to protect themselves.
       N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, commonly known as DEET, is the active ingredient in various insect repellents and is widely used to protect people from blood-sucking pests such as mosquitoes and ticks.
       According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DEET is intended to be applied directly to human skin to repel insects. DEET does not kill blood-sucking insects, but it does make it difficult for them to detect human odor.
       The Environmental Protection Agency reports that “DEET was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 and registered for public use in 1957. There are currently approximately 120 products containing DEET registered with the EPA from approximately 30 different companies.”
       Studies have shown that DEET is very safe when used as directed. In a 2014 safety review of DEET, the Environmental Protection Agency found no risks to human health, non-target species, or the environment.
       ”We continue to believe that normal use of DEET does not pose a health risk to the general public, including children,” the EPA said in a statement. “Currently reported uses of DEET are also not expected to have adverse effects on listed and unlisted endangered species or critical habitat.”
       DEET is a chemical, so some people may have adverse reactions to it. The Cleveland Clinic reports that some people experience rashes or skin irritation after using DEET, and that it can cause eye irritation if sprayed too close.
       There have been rare cases of seizures associated with DEET, but the National Pesticide Information Center states that most seizures occur after people drink products containing DEET or use DEET products in unsafe ways.
       As for non-human animals, there are few reports of pets being exposed to DEET at levels that could cause illness, according to the center. However, pets exposed to excessive amounts of DEET have shown a variety of symptoms, including tremors, agitation, decreased coordination, vomiting, and seizures.
       According to the Environmental Protection Agency, DEET is approved for use by children with no age or percentage of DEET in the product.
       The EPA recommends that children not handle any repellents themselves or spray insecticides on children’s hands, as they are prone to putting their hands near their eyes and mouths. The EPA also recommends that parents wash the hands and clothing of children treated with insecticides with soap and water or bathe them when they return indoors.
       If you are using an aerosol or spray product, it is not recommended to spray it indoors. When using on your face, spray the repellent on your hands first and then rub it onto your face, rather than spraying it directly onto your face.
       The Cleveland Clinic adds that higher concentrations of DEET are more effective, but they last longer. If you spend less time outdoors, a lower concentration of DEET may be sufficient. DEET products with a 10 percent concentration repellent last about two hours, while products with a concentration of 20 to 30 percent last about five hours.
       The clinic also notes that you probably won’t need to reapply DEET “unless you’re out in the woods all day in an insect-infested area.” The clinic also recommends avoiding combination products that include insect repellent spray and sunscreen.
       If you suspect that you or your child has had an adverse reaction to DEET, the EPA recommends stopping use of the product, washing the skin where it was applied, and seeking help from your local poison control center or doctor. If you go to the doctor, bring bug spray with you.
       According to the National Pesticide Information Center, picaridin is a synthetic compound first created in the 1980s to repel biting insects. It mimics piperine, a natural compound found in the plant from which black pepper is made.
       Picaridin is widely used as an insecticide in Europe and Australia, but it has been available in the United States for less than a decade. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists it as an active ingredient in EPA-registered skin insect repellents.
       OLE is a natural insect repellent that some people choose to use to keep insects away. The Environmental Protection Agency noted that product labels state that some OLE products are not suitable for children under 3 years of age. But for everyone else, it is considered safe when used as directed.