It's particularly vital if you're heading somewhere tropical, where insects can transmit diseases such as yellow fever, malaria and Zika.
With expert insight from Professor James Logan, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, we reveal which types of repellent are scientifically proven to work - and where to buy the cheapest ones.
Eat well, live better and stay healthy –Cheapest effective chemical insect repellents
There are four active ingredients that are scientifically proven to repel mosquitos and three of these are synthetic, or chemical based: DEET, IR3535 and Icaridin.
When we looked at repellents containing these ingredients we found that prices varied considerably – even in ones containing the same percentage of active ingredients.
For example, we found a Wilko repellent pump spray costing £3 for 100ml that had the same level of protection (50% DEET and 1% PMD) as a Boots repellent pump spray at £8.65 for 100ml – nearly three times the price.
Here's what you need to know about each, and where to find it cheapest.
DEET insect repellent
DEET is one of the most common options you'll find, and for good reason: it's highly effective at keeping mosquitos away, even in areas where they carry diseases like malaria.
DEET can be safely used at a concentration of up to 50% on children aged over eight weeks, from the second trimester for pregnant women and also when breastfeeding (wash any areas of contact beforehand).
Products containing DEET tend to be cheaper, but downsides include its unpleasant smell and potential damage to some plastic items such as watch straps.
Cheapest 50% DEET repellents
Wilko Extra Strength insect repellent, Tesco Extra Strength insect repellent, Sainsbury's Extra Strength Insect Repellent,IR3535
This synthetic ingredient gives complete protection against several mosquito species including a malaria-carrying variety. The recommended concentration is 20%.
However, it doesn't protect for as long as DEET used at the same concentration, so you'll need to reapply it more often.
Cheapest 20% strength IR3535 repellents
Jungle Formula Insect Repellent Spray StrongGurkha Protect Active Spray (Blue) Insect RepellentJungle Formula Kids lotionToddle Born Wild Insect RepellentIcaridin
This is as effective as DEET and repels mosquitoes for up to six hours.
20% is the recommended concentration. As a general rule of thumb for insect repellents, the higher the strength or concentration of the active ingredient, the longer it should last before you need to reapply it but always read the label to check.
Cheapest 20% strength Icaridin repellents
Lifesystems Expedition Sensitive DEET free insect repellent Forclaz Repellent SprayPyramid Protect Sensitive Insect Repellent SprayMoskito Guard Mossie and Tick repellent – see which supermarket bottles passed our sun safety testsCheapest natural insect repellents that work
It can be used on children over three years old, and is produced when oil of lemon eucalyptus or OLE is distilled. Although it is a byproduct, the leftover product is far more effective at repelling mosquitoes than the oil itself.
'Eucalyptus', 'lemongrass', 'citronella' and even 'lemon eucalyptus oil' are not the same as 'oil of lemon eucalyptus', and they don't offer the same level of protection against bugs. You might also see it by the trade names Citrapel and Citrodiol.
Some PMD products also contain DEET, for extra protection, so keep your eyes peeled if you specifically want a plant-based option.
Cheapest PMD insect repellents
Xpel Mosquito & Insect repellent spray with Citrepel50Tesco Insect Protect DEET free aerosol 10% PMDPyramid Protect Natural spray with 40% Citriodiol – we've rounded up your best optionsNatural mosquito repellents to avoid
Whether it's repellent patches, B vitamins or even being told to eat yeast extract or garlic to keep bugs away, there are plenty of products on the market claiming to protect you from mosquitos and other biting bugs.
But Professor Logan says many of these don't actually work and advises opting instead for repellents that have scientific backing. Ones that don't protect you include:
Herbal extract bracelets. Sonic mosquito repellers. Citronella. see which cheaper rival was recommended by our tasting panelInsect repellent buying tips
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Look out for multi-buy deals; shops where you can accrue loyalty points and own brands. They're often cheaper for the same active ingredients.
A simple spray is usually cheapest. Roll-ons or compact bottles are likely to be pricier. For example, a pump spray bottle of Boots Repel Maximum DEET & PMD is £8.65 for 100ml but a roll-on version of the same product is £5.50 for 50ml – that's £11 per 100ml.
Make sure you check the label to see if the product is the right strength for your needs. Most products use their own systems, but should be clear on whether they are 'tropical strength' or not. Check with a pharmacist if you're unsure.
watch our video to find out the best wayRepellent is only as good as the application
There's no point getting the best mosquito repellent if you just slap it on haphazardly.
Correct coverage is vital for it to work, and especially so if you're travelling to higher-risk areas.
The golden rule is (much like sun cream) to apply thoroughly to any exposed skin, before you head out, and re-apply often – especially if you're sweating a lot, or have been swimming. If you need both, remember it's sunscreen first, mossie repellent second.
Again, like sunscreen, don't just rely on repellent to protect you. Cover up with clothing, especially if you're prone to bites, as this acts as an additional barrier.
Mosquitos may bite through some clothing so if you're in a high-risk area, spray clothes with 100% DEET (or, if the clothing is synthetic, with a non-DEET repellent).
Don't spray insect repellent directly onto your face. Spray into your hands first before patting onto your face, taking care to avoid your eyes and mouth. Don't use it on skin that is cut, wounded or irritated.
How to apply insect repellent on kids
Don't let children apply repellent themselves. You don't want them putting their fingers in their mouths or rubbing their eyes with insect repellent on their hands.
*Prices and availability info correct as of 21 June 2023
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-find-cheap-insect-repellent-that-works-a5ohv9l2uLLv