Safety and efficacy of DEET and permethrin in the prevention of arthropod attack

Many preventable diseases affecting troop strength are directly attributed to disease-carrying insects. The first line of defense against arthropod vectors is the use of personal protective measures. The concurrent application of DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) repellent on the skin and permethrin [(3-phenoxy-phenyl)methyl(+/-)cis,trans-3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-carboxylate] insecticide on the battle dress uniform, while the uniform is worn properly, is a personal protective strategy officially known as the DOD Insect Repellent System. It is important for troop commanders and field leaders to enforce the use of personal protective measures to prevent insect-borne infectious diseases and to ensure troop and soldier readiness. DEET is a safe and effective repellent. Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide and repellent. Used in conjunction with proper clothing and other personal protective equipment, these repellents provide the best known protection available and are critical in minimizing the occupational health threat of arthropod-borne diseases to troops in the field.