What even is DEET?

About this episode

Melissa and Jam explore the science behind DEET and its role in repelling mosquitos.

This week, Melissa and Jam revisit one of their fav episodes on the topic of mosquitos. What is DEET? What part does it play in repelling mosquitos? How do repellants repel mosquitos in the first place? Is it just straight witchcraft? Let's do it.

People in this episode

Hosts: Melissa, Jam

Topics covered

• DEET
• mosquitos
• repellants

Keywords

• mosquito repellent
• chemistry
• insect repellents

Mentioned in this episode

Products: DEET

More episodes of Chemistry For Your Life

• How realistic are crime shows about forensics? (with Nicki Stewart) · June 11, 2026 · 37 min
• What is BCCE and why are people so excited about it? · June 8, 2026 · 1h 10m
• How does a pencil eraser remove graphite? · June 4, 2026 · 35 min
• How do gemstones get their color? · May 28, 2026 · 45 min
• How do pencils write on paper? · May 21, 2026 · 47 min
• Ask a Chemist: What things should you never mix? (and other questions) · May 14, 2026 · 35 min