A Guide to Insect Repellent

In Great Britain we have insects that tend to irritate rather than harm us.

In contrast, less developed countries are more prone to insect infestations thanks to their warm climates, so if you head across seas you may be at risk from Malaria, West Nile disease and other infections which are carried by biting insects. Insect repellents come in a variety of forms, all with differing levels of effectiveness. The choice you made should be down to your destination, as well as taking in consideration any skin complaints or sensitivity.

Spray-on Repellents

Easy to use, yet can be strong and pungent. May contain toxic DEET (Diethyltoluamide).

Citronella Candles

These are the most effective treatment against all pathogens. They will not clean the water, i.e. remove sediment. They need to be left long enough to work effectively. Iodine is not recommended for pregnant women, those with thyroid problems, or for prolonged use. Leaves an after-taste.

Mosquito Nets

Great for trapping out bugs as you sleep. Perfect for tropical areas. They can be coated with insect repellent. Mosquito repellency can also be impregnated into clothing.

Bite Relief Treatments (aftercare)

Perfect for relieving itchiness from bites, but not able to prevent fresh bites.

Wrist/ankle Guards

Usually containing DEET and/or natural citronella, these are discreet and ideal for all day wearing. They may not offer the same coverage as a spray repellent. They require the wearer to also take precautions such as avoiding perfume. Best used in conjunction with other methods of repellency.

Application Advice

Use a low concentration gel for applying to exposed parts, especially the ears. Apply a higher concentration spray to clothing. Rub-on treatments take longer to apply than sprays and hands will always need to be thoroughly washed after use. Look at the estimated length of protection- 10 hours is substantial for most activities. Make sure you have enough in a ‘dose’ for your length of time in the wilderness. Help your repellent by also covering up as much as possible and not wearing perfume or aftershave.

Insect Repellency for Use in America/Asia/Atlantic

Look for stronger solutions for hot weathered conditions. You should consider using DEET which is a strong repellent. For the evenings you should look at purchasing a mosquito net that can cover your full bed, or facial area to keep out bugs as you sleep. For the day time, if adventuring in dense wooded areas, look at a full face style of mosquito mask that can keep bugs away as you walk.

You can also cover up all day with a wrist or ankle band that locks in a halo of DEET for all day wearing with no need to re-spray or top up. However this may not offer the ultimate protection, so for more infested areas, you may need additional protection from a stronger.

Prevention

You can help take your own preventative measures against mosquitoes by:

DEET: How and When to Use it

DEET (Diethyl Toluamide) is a very powerful and an effective deterrent to mosquitoes and other biting insects. DEET is a powerful substance that is highly effective in deterring disease carrying insects, such as mosquitoes. However DEET may cause problems for children, people with sensitive skin, or following prolonged use, so use should always be monitored.

If children are using DEET under adult supervision, they should be sprayed with DEET by adults and not themselves in order to monitor the amount being applied.

Is DEET Safe?

Here at GO Outdoors we believe that DEET is good in small amounts and in the right conditions, so a balance should be achieved between spraying a toxic cloud that chokes the area’s fish, and going without DEET and getting bitten by potentially disease carrying insects. If you are worried about the effects of DEET, or have an adverse reaction then you can choose natural blends of repellent, such as Expedition Natural, which includes a blend of plant extracts, including Lemon Eucalyptus and Myrtle.

Other organic insect repellents include Citronella, also available as impregnated candles and patches. Mosquitoes can also be prevented from feeding via Mosquito repelling treatments on clothing, such as Nosquito, or through the use of Mosquito nets.