Rating Mosquito Repellents

As you consider and firm up plans for your great adventure into the outdoors this summer, I thought it would be helpful to offer up some research on the topic of mosquito repellents and DEET. I am not an expert on the topic. The following information is reported in literature from the Consumer Reports Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Ultimately it is important that you do not rely entirely on this information and that your own research and discussion with family doctor guide your decision.

I have chosen to present the findings in point form so as to make it more easily readable and noted. But before I begin with that, you may want to know why mosquitoes bite and what attracts them.

Adult female mosquitoes need blood to produce eggs. Although they can survive by feeding on sugary liquids, it is only after a blood meal that they start producing eggs. Only female mosquitoes bite. Male mosquitoes feed on sugars found in fruits and flowers.

Mosquitoes are mainly attracted to carbon dioxide in the breath, body heat, and sweat of humans. Individuals who produce more body heat, sweat, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid will be more attractive to mosquitoes.

As regards DEET:

- Deet is a repellent and does not kill bugs. It's vapor is intended at masking attractents.
- the EPA has concluded that DEET is safe to humans if label instructions are followed.
- a 30% presence of DEET in a product is most effective, and safe for adults, and children older than a year.
- the American Academy of Pediatrics has advised against using repellents with DEET concentrations higher than 30% on any kids.
- Consumer Reports Health states that no one should use a repellent with more than 30% DEET.

Use of DEET:

- avoid on cuts and wounds
- keep away from children's hands, and around their mouths and eyes. Don't let them apply it to themselves.
- when applying, note that it does not have to be spread evenly over an area. It is the scent that repells.
- do not apply under clothing.
- after use, wash applied surface areas with soap. Do so also with your clothes.
- if using a spray, do not apply directly to the face and never in an enclosed area such as a tent.

Best repellents as tested by Consumer Reports:
Insect repellents using plant oils such as citronella, soybean, coconut, and geranium "provided little if any protection"

Most Recommended, with active ingredient (unranked):
Off Deep Woods Sportsmen II - 30% DEET
Cutter Backwoods Unscented - 23% DEET
Off FamilyCare Smooth & Dry - 15% DEET
3M Ultrathon Insect Repellant 8 - 25% DEET
Repel Plant Based Lemon Eucalyptus - active ingredient oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Natrapel 8-Hour with picaridin - 20% picaridin


Use of Permethrin: You may of heard about it's effectiveness.It is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. Permethrin kills mosquitoes on contact by disrupting their nerve cells. It cannot be applied directly on the skin. It should be applied on clothing 2-4 hours before being worn. Permethrin products for use on clothing that contain 0.5% concentration should be safe. Do not apply spray applications in an enclosed area.