Insect Repellents

The "best" repellent depends on the level of risk. For areas with a high risk of malaria or Zika, a high-strength DEET insect repellent is usually recommended. For lower-risk areas or for those with sensitive skin, a natural insect repellent containing PMD or Icaridin is often the best mosquito repellent choice.

Yes, most high-quality insect repellents, especially those containing DEET or Icaridin, are effective at repelling ticks and fleas as well as mosquitoes. If you are hiking in wooded areas, ensuring your repellent is applied to ankles and lower legs is a vital part of your travel essentials.

Most insect repellents have a shelf life of about 2 to 3 years. If you are wondering if insect repellent expires, check the bottom or side of the bottle for a "period after opening" symbol (a small open jar icon). Regarding usage, how long a bottle of insect repellent lasts depends on the size and frequency of application. Typically, a 100ml bottle will last one person roughly two weeks with regular daily use.

While a mosquito-repellent bracelet can provide a small area of protection around the wrist, it is generally not considered sufficient as a sole method of protection in high-risk areas. For full-body coverage, it is always best to use a spray or lotion in conjunction with other preventive measures.