PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Insect Repellant

Why do you think they call them bugs?

Buzzy little things that fly around your head biting and stinging are enough to drive you, well, buggy. Fortunately, lotions and sprays are available to to ward off annoying insects. Applied to the skin and clothing, their vapors can keep a wide variety of insects at bay for hours. One thing they can't do, however, is kill insects, so once the stuff wears off, you're on your own. The many over-the-counter repellents available are relatively safe and effective, so don't let biting insects keep you from enjoying the great outdoors.

Advice on Repellents

Ideally, repellents should have an inoffensive odor, repel many varieties of insects, and withstand all weather.
The best all-purpose repellent is commonly called DEET (diethyltoluamide). However, it isn't recommended for children under age 2 because of possible toxicity to the central nervous system. And DEET is not effective against ants, bees, wasps, and hornets.
Products containing a mixture of two or more repellents are generally more effective against wide varieties of insects.
Chemicals in repellents may cause an allergic skin reaction.
Many aromatic oils and compounds, such as citronella or eucalyptus products, are safe, but not proven effective in repelling insects.

Repellents

Repellents are generally volatile chemicals applied to the skin and clothing with the purpose of keeping insects away. The odor of repellants is offensive to insects, and may also make you invisible to them by blocking their sensor receptors. DEET, or diethyltoluamide, is the most effective product available. Less-effective repellents include citronella, turpentine, and eucalyptus.

Ingredient		Description
Repellents
Diethyltoluamide (DEET)	?	Regarded as the most effective repellent compound.
Permethrin	?	A pedicullicide incorporated into sprays.

Don't Just Rely on Repellent

Maximize your efforts to keep bugs away from you by covering any exposed areas of your skin.
Wear protective clothing: long pants, long sleeved shirts, hats, gloves, socks.
Clothing may be sprayed with repellent to help enhance its protective effects.
Use a repellent that contains a combination of active ingredients to increase the spectrum of insects you will repel.
If you can, avoid areas that are infested with insects.