2
Hi,With insect repellents, the scientific evidence says that DEET is the most effective, and it is in many repellents, such as Life Venture, Jungle Formula,etc. Some people don't like using it because of the solvent in it.
Natural formula repellents containing PMD (Citriodiol or Citrepel) such as Mosi Guard, Dr D and Dr Johson's (both available in Kenya) are also effective but may need re-application as the effect might not last as long as DEET based ones. Icaridin (sold as Picaridin) is relatively new and is reported to be as effective as DEET but without the nasty aspects, as with PMD it needs more re-application than DEET.
The percentage of DEET refers to how long the application lasts, not how effective it is at keeping insects away, see this from Guidelines for Malaria Prevention in Travellers from the UK:
"Duration of protection is 1 to 3 hours for 20%, up to 6 hours for 30% and up to 12 hours for 50% DEET. There is no further increase in duration of protection beyond a concentration of 50%. Sweat-off time varies with activity. The interval between applications depends on this as well as the DEET formulation and concentration used."
Be careful with it, as well as removing nail varnish:
"DEET applications can damage some plastic watch straps, watch glasses and plastic jewellery; these items should not be allowed to come into contact with DEET."
There is no advantage to using anything over 50% DEET which is only used on mosquito nets, clothing etc.
3
For the tablets "Comply with the appropriate prophylactic drug regimen for the area you are visiting. This is vitally important since failure to comply places you at great risk. Studies have shown that there is a reduced risk of contracting malaria even if you take the wrong regimen." http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/malaria.htmYour travel doctor should advice which drugs to take....not this forum
