Mosquito Repellents
Mosquito and other insect repellents work by making us less attractive to mosquitoes, insects and bugs. Topical mosquito repellents are applied directly to the skin, and they contain repelling substances which help to keep bloodthirsty mosquitoes and other annoying biting insects away. One of the most popular products on the market is DEET (Diethyl Toluamide), and this is widely considered to be the best mosquito repellent for the prevention of mosquito bites.
Types of Mosquito Repellents
Depending on preference and the level of convenience that is required, a large range of mosquito repellents are available to choose from, including lotions, aerosol sprays, non-aerosol pump sprays, roll-ons and wipes. Some popular brands of mosquito and other insect repellents include: Jungle Formula, Lifesystems, Autan and Mosi-Guard, along with some supermarket's own brands.
Some people are understandably concerned about the safety aspect of applying bug-repelling products to their skin. However, if it comes down to a choice between this, and contracting a potentially life threatening disease such as malaria, mosquito repellents are undoubtedly the safer option. (There are other effective mosquito repellents which you do not apply to your skin, such as mosquito smoke coils, and plug in mosquito killers, not to mention sleeping under a highly effective impregnated mosquito net.)
Active Ingredients in Mosquito Repellents
Mosquito repellents contain active ingredients which are available in varying degrees of strength, and in tropical areas where there is a real risk of being bitten by a disease-carrying mosquito, products with high levels of the active ingredients should be used.
Many mosquito repellents contain the active ingredient DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), a substance which blocks a mosquito’s ability to detect carbon dioxide or other chemicals given out by human breath and skin.
Essentially DEET prevents mosquitoes from ‘finding’ us, and it is used safely by millions of people each year.
Other active ingredients in mosquito repellents to look out for include picaridin, pyrethrin, lemon eucalyptus and oil of citronella.
Instructions for Using Topical Mosquito Repellents
Mosquito repellents should be reapplied frequently according to instructions. As with sunscreens, they provide a maximum number of hours of protection before reapplication is required, and this length of time can be affected by ambient temperature and humidity, perspiration and exposure to water. It may be necessary to reapply repellent more often than recommended, depending on conditions.
Many mosquito repellents are pleasantly scented and are safe to use on children; the labelling should be carefully checked for minimum age of use. Topical mosquito repellents for use on sensitive skin are also available.
Precautions for Using Mosquito Repellents
Precautions should be followed when applying mosquito repellents directly to uncovered skin, and the safety information must be read carefully. Repellents should be applied to clean, dry skin, avoiding eyes and lips, while not forgetting ankles, feet, the neck and hands and other less obvious areas such as the lower back. They should not be allowed to come into contact with broken or sore skin.
In order to apply spray mosquito repellents to the face, it may be easier to spray repellent into the palm of the hand first and then rub into the face. Sprays should be used carefully in well-ventilated areas, as some people may find they are sensitive to spray mist.
There are natural mosquito repellents you can try, including DEET-free repellents, which do not contain chemicals.
Don't forget the other effective ways of preventing mosquito bites:
- Mosquito room sprays
- Plug in mosquito killers
- Mosquito smoke coils
- Mosquito wristbands
- Mosquito nets
- Mosquito door and window screens
Here are some recommended mosquito repellents »