What are the best mosquito and insect repellents? Which ones last the longest and are the most commonly used?

What is DEET: diethyltoluamide?

• DEET is an ingredient used in mosquito and insect repellents. DEET has a long-lasting, effective effect on mosquito protection. Products containing DEET have been tested as the best for years.
• They are also the most commonly used mosquito repellents and, according to many studies, the best choice for travelers who want good protection.
• In the Netherlands, you can find products containing DEET with DEET percentages ranging from 10% to 50%.
• The higher the DEET percentage, the longer the effect.
• Read more about DEET and insect repellents for travel and backpacking

What is Icaridin: Picaridin/Saltidin?

• Very effective against mosquitoes. A safe, odorless, and non-greasy product. Also safe for synthetic clothing.
• 15% icaridin is comparable to a 20-30% DEET solution.
• In the Netherlands, products containing icaridin were unavailable for a long time. Sales are now permitted again.

What is IR3535: Ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate?

• Proven effective against mosquitoes and ticks.
• A product containing 20% ​​IR3535 is roughly comparable to a 30% DEET solution.
• It is widely used in Scotland, for example, against midges.
• Outside the Netherlands, it is often mixed with sunscreen or body lotion.

What is PMD: Lemon Eucalyptus Oil?

• PMD (also known as Citriodiol and p-menthane-3,8-diol) is found in Lemon Eucalyptus oil. PMD is a natural ingredient; it is a good insect repellent alternative for people who cannot or do not want to use DEET.
• Note: Essential oil from the Lemon Eucalyptus tree often does not contain enough PMD to have effective mosquito repelling properties.

What is permethrin and pyrethrin?

• Permethrin is an insecticide, a synthetic substance belonging to the pyrethroid group. Pyrethrin is a natural group of insecticides extracted from chrysanthemums, while permethrin is a synthetic variant developed to enhance the effectiveness of natural pyrethrins.
• The WHO recommends treating mosquito nets with permethrin. However, in many countries, only pre-treated mosquito nets are available. Private, home use of this product is not recommended for both your own health and the environment
• Aerosol cans and electric vaporizers also often contain permethrin. Read the warnings on the packaging before use, as some substances can irritate and may have adverse health effects with prolonged use.

What is citronella?

• Short-lasting effect. It is not an alternative to DEET and is considerably less effective than pyrethrins or pyrethroids.
• Plug-ins and aerosol cans containing citronella are available.

What are mosquito nets?

• Mosquito nets are among the most effective mosquito repellents.
• For questions and answers about mosquito nets and travel mosquito nets, see: mosquito nets

What is insect-repellent clothing?

• Insect-repellent clothing is an effective way to protect parts of your body from mosquitoes.
• Read more about the pros and cons of this clothing under: impregnated and mosquito-repellent clothing.