Insect repellents
Protection from bitng insects is important when travelling in areas where the insects carry diseases such as Malaria. An effective insect repellent should be high on your kit list . Whilst insect repellent alone can not protect you completely from being bitten, it will offer an effective defense. Over 2000 cases of Malaria are treated in the UK each year, mainly people who have not follwed advice and protected themselves by covering up, taking anti- Malarial tablets and useing insect repellents.
The main active ingredient in most insect repellents is DEET. Scientific research demonstrates that DEET repels a wide range of biting insects effectively, it provides long lasting protection and is recommended for areas where Malaria, Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever are a high risk. Whilst being very effective against biting insects, it does have some downsides. People with sensitive skin, can find DEET an irritant, especially in higher concentrates.
Other insect repellents available, are made of natural ingredients and essential oils. These can offer very effective protection and are gentler on sensitive skin and safe to use on children. As a general guide, we have found these to offer similar protection to that offered by a 50% solution of DEET. However stronger DEET based products still offer some of the most effective protection.
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