Repulsive repellent: tales of mosquito woe

The effectiveness of insect repellent varies from brand to brand says a new report, with some a 'shocking waste of money

Travel Insurance News - 09/09/2005

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The effectiveness of insect repellent varies from brand to brand says a new report, with some a 'shocking waste of money'.

Insect repellent is something that almost every traveller packs in their suitcase, and makes the list of things to do before holiday with other tasks such as arranging travel insurance and washing clothes.

Consumer survey magazine Which? tested several leading brands and discovered that slathering on some repellents was hardly worthwhile.

The electric buzzers on sale came in for the most criticism in the survey, while the plug-in devices were found to be extremely effective.

Of the four brands tested - Boots Repel, Jungle Formula, Lifesystems and Mosqui-GoDuo - all gave 100 per cent protection, killing mosquitos within five minutes.

Which? wants to see the 'shocking products' withdrawn from the market, and has passed the information on to Trading Standards.

'Some repellents offered complete protection and zapped mozzies in next to no time. People are at their most vulnerable when they're asleep so plug-ins are a worthwhile investment, though in malarial areas people should also use impregnated bed nets,' said Holiday Which? editor Lorna Cowen.

'We think others, such as the buzzers we tried, were a shocking waste of money, didn't offer any protection at all and offer nothing but a false sense of security. They should be removed from sale.'

When travelling in foreign climbs where mosquitoes are prevalent, it is important to take out travel insurance, especially if there is a risk of malaria, which is spread by the insects.

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