Five of best insect repellents

Last updated at 11:23 11 July 2006


Even if you are not travelling to a country with malaria this summer, insect bites can be a health hazard as they can irritate and get infected.

BOOTS REPEL LOTION, £5.99

YOU are prone to be being bitten or are going to a malaria-infected zone, use a repellent with a high proportion of DEET (Diethylt Toluamide) — this one has 50 per cent — because this synthetic chemical is particularly effective against insect bites. Boots nationwide.

MOSI-GUARD NATURAL INSECT ROLL ON, £5.59

THERE are lots of natural repellents on the market. This one has undergone extensive trials and protects for up to ten hours. The key ingredient is Citriodiol, a lemon eucalyptus oil extract more effective than the citronella found in many natural products. Call 01303 858 828 for stockists.

ALFRESCO ANTI-BUG BITE MOISTURISER, 200ML £20

UNLIKE most repellents, this smells nice. It's made with botanical extracts of geranium, lavender and melissa, which insects don't like. A new anti-bug fragrance called Acqua D'Alfresco (£25 for 50ml) can be used with the moisturiser. Call 020 8348 6704.




JUNGLE FORMULA PLUG-IN MOSQUITO KILLER, £8.99

IF YOUR holiday spot is plagued by mosquitoes, this works by releasing an odourless vapour. Automatic voltage converter, so suitable for countries with two-pin sockets. Gives 45 nights of protection. Widely available.




ZAPPERCLICK, £5.95

WON'T stop you getting bitten, but may soothe any itchiness and help avoid infection. The pocket-sized device delivers mild electric shocks to the bitten area, stimulating the body to block the build-up of histamine.

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