A comprehensive guide to mosquito repellents

As the number of dengue infections soars across Bangladesh breaking all records, it falls on us to protect ourselves from the mosquito menace. 

Keeping with the spirit of proverbial saying – “Prevention is better than cure,” we have put together a comprehensive list of mosquito repellents suitable for almost everyone.

Without delay, let us jump into the list.

Deet

An effective defence against mosquitoes by its own right, repellents containing at least 20 percent Deet or Diethyltoluamide will protect your skin for several hours. Deet is safe to use even by pregnant women, children and babies older than two months.

One downside is that Deet will leave your sunscreen less effective.

Picaridin

A broadly effective mosquito repellent, Picaridin is almost colourless and odourless. This plant-based solution also works against other insects and ticks.

It is approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and safe for pregnant women and children.

IR3535

Another EPA approved compound that helps repel mosquitoes for several hours when applied to the skin. 

It is not lethal to mosquitoes, but it will keep them away from you without causing much of a fuss. The IR3535 is kid and pregnant women friendly.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)

OLE is an EPA-approved option for shooing off mosquitoes. A synthetic version called PMD is also available as a mosquito repellent compound.

However, Pure OLE – which is just the oil, not the repellent – has not been tested for safe use and EPA does not recommend it.

2-Undecanone

Also called BioUD, 2-Undecanone is extracted from tomatoes. It is an organic compound, but synthetic versions are also available. 

Some US studies say this colourless oil compound works as well as repellents with 30 percent Deet.

Covering up

This might seem a very superfluous idea, but covering up will certainly keep mosquitoes away from your skin way better than any repellent. 

If you visit an area with a lot of mosquitoes, or even at home, wear long sleeves, pants, socks and a hat to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

For extra protection, tuck your shirt into your pants and pants into your socks for maximum skin coverage.

Check for still water

What is better than any mosquito repellent? Stop mosquitoes from hatching in your home or roof. Even a small amount of still water serves as a breeding ground for many species of disease carrying mosquitoes. 

Check your home, front yard and roof for stagnated water and drain them immediately. Then clean out anything that can accumulate water, including tyres and pots.