Choosing an Insect Repellent

What insect repellent should I take?
One of the most common questions I get asked is "What insect repellent should I take?". There are 100's of insect repellents about all claiming to do the same job. We all know from bitter experience that some work better than others, we want the best. But which one?

Every situation is different
What might be biting depends on season, temperature, wind speed, light levels and time of day, also the species, gender and maturity of the local insect population. For example, not all mosquitoes bite humans. It is mainly the breeding females of specific species that need extra nourishment to produce their eggs. Blood is ideal - yours if they can can get it!

A good solution....
....is to take a combination of insect repellents. They are relatively inexpensive. Rather than put all your eggs in one basket, take a minimum of two good quality repellents each using a different active ingredient.

Will it work?
Repellents contain an active ingredient (the repellent bit) and other substances to either dilute it or to form the lotion, cream, stick or whatever. Some work better than others. Look for the active ingredient and its concentration. Look out for the following:

Repellents that work
Active ingredients with a track record supported by scientific testing and user trials.

• DEET (DET)(N, N-diethylmetatoluamide) Has been around for a very long time. Often considered the most effective, particularly in the medical community, because it has many years use and testing behind it. Some question it's safety since there are occasional reports of adverse reactions to it. Low concentrations are not as effective and need frequent re-application. High concentrations are unpleasant to use and tests suggest effectiveness does not increase in proportion to the concentration. Stay within the 20% to 55% range for most destinations. Other: melts some plastics, fabrics, and can mark polished surfaces. Example: Repel 55, Ultrathon.
• Citriodiol (Lemon Eucalyptus) Also been around for a long time. Has good lab test results and a proven track record as an effective repellent. Quite aromatic, natural, child friendly. Example: MosiGuard (spray, roll-on, stick, cream).
• Pyrethrin Most commonly found in insecticide sprays but now used in at least one repellent. Can also be used on clothing and as a knock down spray (fly spray). Made from chrysanthemum flowers. Low odour, very low toxicity to mammals, biodegradable, but very harmful to aquatic life so don't pour it away into a stream. Child friendly. Example: PreVent.
• Picaridin (Icaridin) (Bayrepel) Has been around since '98. Considered very effective and an alternative to DEET. Very low toxicity in lab testing and considered a safe repellent for humans.

Manufacturers directions for use should be followed at all times and override the general information given here.

You'll be bitten if you don't!!
Just about everyone can have a bite free time all the time. A little knowledge and some simple rules will greatly improve your chances.

• Make sure at least one of your repellents is small enough to carry with you - it doesn't work left in your hotel room!
• If age, sensitive skin, or smell are a concern to you, shop until you are sure you have a repellent you can and will use.
• If insects are starting to show an unhealthy interest in you, re-apply the repellent
• Make sure you don't run out - after all most repellents don't expire. You can use up any left over the next time.
• Make sure you don't put sun screen over repellent.

Last but not least - other measures....
....you can take that do work. Take extra precautions at dawn dusk and after dark, ideally use comfortable clothing to cover exposed skin. Wear lighter coloured clothing (not a myth). Use a mosquito net at night. Take a friend who the insects like more!

About the author
Julian McIntosh is the director of Safariquip Ltd, Britain's longest established Travel Equipment retailer and an enthusiastic traveller.