Insect repellent

[BobbyO]

I've just bought an insect repellent cream suitable for all the family. It was a quick buy and I had no idea which brand/type to go for. There was so much choice and information on the packaging that I just got confused as to which one to buy. The one I ended up with says it doesn't contain any DEET. Is this an essential ingredient or go I stay away from DEET anyway? Any recommendations/advice welcome please. I have a 5yr and 8 yr old both with sensitive skin and neither have been abroad before.

DEET is bad for pregnant women & probably not suitable for babies, it's also very effective. Is yours Mosiguard, by chance, or citronella based anyway?

It's Boots own brand. Info on front says- repel once, insect repellent lotion. Up to 8 hours protection from one application. Protects against mosquitoes, midges, and other biting insects. Suitable for sensitive skin, age 6 months plus.

Can't find anything about citronella.

What active ingredients does it list?
It's better than being bitten.

It gives a long list if ingredients with very long scientific names.

I suppose it does sound good from what I said above and to give 8 hours protection is another plus side.

citronella does work - for about ten minutes.

DEET is the only reliable repellent. Your repellent contains diethyl toluamide, DEET is N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (says wikipedia). My chemistry is not good enough for that (can anyone help?) but it sounds like it contains something similar to DEET so it should work properly. They advertise it as suitable for malarial areas and they'd be in trouble for saying that if it is wasn't true.

it says 'DEET-free' to stop you panicking about nasty chemicals in the scientificially-ignorant way that all too many people do.

keep it away from plastics and wash it off at bedtime.

OH always gets bitten unless he wears a repellent containing DEET. Nothing else works on him, not even the Avon stuff.

Where are you going? Bite avoidance can be crucial in some countries.
www.nathnac.org/travel/misc/travellers_mos.htm

Lanzarote.

Thanks for the advice everyone .

Why do they make so many different products that just confuse people.

no nasty diseases on Lanzarote but bug bites can be irritating.

'they' just want to sell more.

www.amazon.co.uk/Powerd-Mosquito-Insect-Repeller-Compass/dp/B008KXT0C8/ref=pd_cp_lp_0

I have one of these. I get bitten every time, and when I mean bitten, I mean I have to take antihistamines, as it gets very swollen.

We lived in Oz for two years, and this little device was always hooked on my bag. It kept the little buggers away :)

Scientific reviews say they don't work. OH always gets bitten if he doesn't wear insect repellant and his bites always become infected. There is no way he would try a sonic repellant without wearing insect repellant as well.