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Ever Wonder...
What is DEET and why is it important?
DEET is the active chemical ingredient used in many insect repellents. It is highly effective at repelling pests such as mosquitoes, which may carry diseases such as malaria, dengue and West Nile Virus, and ticks that may carry Lyme disease. It is recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SC Johnson offers products containing from four percent DEET to 98 percent. The higher the percentage of DEET in a repellent, the longer the protection lasts.
Does DEET present a health risk?
DEET was registered in the United States for general public use in 1957 and has been applied many billions of times by people for 50 years. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that using DEET does not present a significant health concern. When used as directed, DEET can be used on children. Always read and follow label directions.
What is pyrethrum?
Pyrethrum, or "py" is an ingredient extracted and processed from the chrysanthemum flower. The insecticide components of py, called pyrethrins, are contained in the flower's seeds and are extracted for use in insecticide formulations. SC Johnson produces a variety of household insecticide products under the
Raid®
and
Baygon®
brands in Europe, Asia and Latin America that use py.
Why are pesticides important?
Some pesticides are important, because they help protect you from pests that can carry dangerous diseases like malaria and dengue. SC Johnson is a responsible provider of effective pesticides that help keep families protected from indoor and outdoor pest-related health risks. The Greenlist™ environmental classification process helps us ensure that, like all SC Johnson products, our pesticides are designed to protect the planet and its people while maintaining the high performance of our products.
What is West Nile Virus, and do SC Johnson products repel mosquitos that may carry the disease?
West Nile Virus is a strain of encephalitis, a serious and sometimes deadly viral disease that can be carried by mosquitoes. The symptoms of West Nile resemble the flu and can include headaches, fever, nausea and vomiting, and muscle aches. Since West Nile Virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes, using effective insect repellents offers good protection. Apply an insect repellent before outdoor activities, especially during peak mosquito times such as dawn and dusk in the summer.
How are SC Johnson pest control products developed?
We operate the world's largest urban entomology research center in Racine, Wisconsin. The insects commonly studied at our center are cockroaches, stable flies, fleas, spiders, wasps, mosquitoes, house flies, hornets, ants, crickets, earwigs, centipedes, millipedes and clothes moths. By having these insects in our labs, we can develop and test insect control products right on the spot. When product development reaches an advanced stage, products are tested in the field where insects occur naturally.
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