DEET isn't toxic, but it repels pollinators from areas where it is heavily used [1]. This isn't exclusive to DEET, every bug repellant does it to some extent, b

DEET isn't toxic, but it repels pollinators from areas where it is heavily used [1]. This isn't exclusive to DEET, every bug repellant does it to some extent, but DEET is unique because it's so damn effective. Don't get me wrong, DEET isn't bad enough to be illegal. It washes away in the rain. It doesn't foul up groundwater, and although it does get washed into rivers and streams, it really doesn't do much once it's there. I mention DEET as another example of a chemical that is bad for the environment because it's too good at its intended purpose - did not mean to indicate that it's as bad as that boat coating stuff. [1]: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/potential-impact-of-mosquito-and-nuisance-insect-sprays-on-pollinators https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/potential-impact-of-mosquito-a...