In Reply to: thanks heaps, been so helpful and posted by emmylou on Tuesday, 20. February 2007 at 18:57 Bali Time:
I'm not sure what is best, I have read both positive and negative reports from all kinds of places not just this forum - I do agree that DEET products probably shouldn't be used on children (i don't have any personally but there have been some very good posts on here regarding this), and think natural/or non deet is the way to go for them. Especially considering how damaging DEET can be to some things (see notes below) However different horses for different courses, what works for one doesn't always work for all. I just use 'rid' or 'areogaurd' or whatever is on hand at the time really deet or no deet. Avon is a very good product. Perhaps you should try some before you go to make sure there are no reactions to whatever product you decide to use.
Here is some info taken from Travel Medicines newsletter:
Avoiding mosquito bites
Moisture, warmth, carbon dioxide and odour all attract 'mozzies', and some unlucky people seem to be genetically more delicious to mosquitoes.
* Cover up - long sleeved, light coloured clothes
Try and avoid being outside when they are biting. If you are outside between dusk and dawn, wear treated, long sleeved shirts, long pants, and long socks. Light coloured clothes are best. Dark colours attract mosquitoes. Strong scents also attract them, so avoid perfumes etc.
* 30% DEET is the best
'DEET' (Diethyl toluamide) is clinically proven to be the most effective mosquito repellent to apply on your skin e.g. Repel™ or Rid™. Repellents work by blocking the receptors on the mosquitoes antennae. A concentration of 30% DEET is recommended for adults under conditions of intense mosquito exposure. Concentrations greater than 50% DEET are usually not recommended. In field trials, DEET products on the skin have been found to be more effective than coils, 'mozzie plants', citronella candles, sonic repellers, and UV light lures. DEET can damage plastics, synthetic fabrics, leather and painted or varnished materials so be careful with eye glasses, cameras etc. DEET has no effect on cotton, wool or nylon or skin(!) DEET has been on the market for 45 years and side effects are rare if used properly.
* Apply regularly
Apply regularly as per instructions on the bottle (for 30% DEET usually every 4-5 hours). Don't forget your neck and ankles. Use just enough repellent to lightly cover your skin. You do not need to saturate your skin. Never use repellent over cuts, wounds or inflamed skin. After application wipe or wash the repellent off your palms to avoid inadvertent contact with your eyes, mouth and other sensitive areas. Don't apply repellent to children's hands if they are likely to put their hands in their mouth. Ideally wash off the repellent when you no longer need it.
Did you know ... mixing sunscreen and repellent?
When sunscreen is required, apply sunscreen first, wait 20 minutes and then apply repellent. Combination products are not as effective.