Insect Repellents

Introduction

Insect repellents are variably useful in deterring mosquitoes, biting flies, fleas, midges, chiggers and ticks.

NOTE:

Repellents are NOT EFFECTIVE against stinging insects (such as wasps and bees) and spiders.
The products listed here are just for example purpose only, NOT as recommended brand.

Most Effective Insect Repellents

DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide or diethyltoluamide)

Is considered the "gold standard" of insect repellents. It is effective against mosquitoes, biting flies, chiggers, fleas and ticks.
A product containing 10-35% is adequate in most circumstances. Concentrations above 30% do not give you any more protection, but may work for a longer time.
Protection is shortened by swimming, washing, rainfall, sweating and wiping.
It can be used safely by pregnant women and applied once daily to children older than 2 months of age.

(OFF! mosquito repellant is not recommended for children below 10 years old)

Picaridin (KBR 3023, or also known as icaridin)

A plant-derived piperidine compound that is effective against mosquitoes, ticks and the sand fly, Phlebotomus papatasi.
20% picaridin (KBR 3023) is reasonable alternative for people who wish to avoid the unpleasant characteristics of DEET and are willing to accept a somewhat shorter-acting repellent.

PMD (P-menthane-3,8-diol), BioUD (2-undecanone), IR3535 (Ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate)

PMD is the active ingredient in oil of lemon eucalyptus and effective against mosquitoes, biting flies and gnats. However, the compound has not been adequately tested in children younger than 3 years old and should not be used in this group.
BioUD is a tomato-derived arthropod repellent.
IR3535 is a synthetic repellent.
Available studies suggest these are less effective than DEET or picaridin, although they may be adequate in low-risk situations.

Metofluthrin

A synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that, in vapor from, also acts as a mosquito repellent.

Minimally Effective and Ineffective Agents

Citronella

A plant-based repellent that lacks the broad spectrum of activity and duration of action of DEET.
Frequent application may compensate for its limited duration of effectiveness, although animal studies have shown citronella-based repellents to be potential dermal sensitizers.

(Antimos - contains citronella, pine oil, garlic oil and camphor)

Botanical oils

Various botanical oils, including cinnamon, peppermint, sandalwood, geranium, and soybean, have been used alone or in combination for repelling mosquitoes and ticks.
The protection they offer is far inferior compared with DEET, PMD or picaridin.

Oral agents

Claims that ingestion of strong-smelling foods or other substances, such as garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables, or mineral sulphur, can repel biting insects have not been substantiated.

Repellent bracelets

Bracelets and wristbands impregnated with insect repellents are not effective, regardless of the repellent used.

Electronic devices

Electronic mosquito repellents are devices that emit high-pitched sounds that are generally inaudible to the human ear. A Cochrane review of 10 field studies concluded there was no evidence that the devices repelled mosquitoes to any degree.

Permethrin-treated Clothing

Permethrin is not a repellent, but rather causes nervous system toxicity to insects. For the prevention of insect bites, permethrin is applied to clothing or bedding but not to the skin.

Permethrin is effective against mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and chiggers. Insects encountering permethrin-treated material either leave immediately or become unable to move normally if they remain in contact for even a short amount of time.

Fabrics should be sprayed on both sides for 30 to 45 seconds and allowed to dry completely before wearing. One application maintains potency for at least two weeks, even after several washings.

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