How does DEET work against ticks? - briefly
DEET blocks the sensory receptors ticks rely on to detect carbon‑dioxide and body odors, preventing host identification. It also forms a chemical barrier that discourages attachment.
How does DEET work against ticks? - in detail
DEET (N‑N‑diethyl‑m‑toluamide) acts on ticks by interfering with their olfactory system. The compound binds to receptor proteins on the sensory hairs (sensilla) located on the tick’s forelegs. This binding blocks the detection of host‑derived cues such as carbon dioxide, heat, and skin odors, preventing the arthropod from orienting toward a potential blood source.
The disruption occurs in several steps:
- Receptor antagonism – DEET occupies binding sites on chemosensory neurons, reducing the ability of the tick to recognize attractive chemicals.
- Signal attenuation – neuronal firing rates decline, leading to diminished transmission of host‑seeking signals to the central nervous system.
- Behavioral avoidance – the tick experiences a repellent effect, often moving away from treated surfaces or abandoning the host after brief contact.
Concentration influences efficacy. Formulations containing 20–30 % DEET provide reliable protection against most tick species for several hours, while higher percentages extend the duration of repellency but do not substantially increase the magnitude of the sensory block.
Metabolism of DEET by ticks is minimal; the compound remains on the cuticle surface, where it continues to mask host cues. Because DEET does not kill the arthropod, resistance development is rare. Its mode of action differs from neurotoxic acaricides, which target ion channels or enzymatic pathways, making DEET a complementary tool in integrated tick‑bite prevention strategies.