Applying a mosquito repellent: our tips on protecting yourself

Today, the most effective solutions for fighting mosquitoes generally require the use of chemical products, which are reputed to be harmful and can cause skin reactions in some allergic people. Known and effective products include:

- DEET
- Icaridin
- Lemon eucalyptus essential oil.

DEET and icaridin are both chemical products but their level of toxicity is very different. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is a bio-based product that is effective against different species of mosquitoes and its effectiveness varies depending on the formulation.
Whichever active ingredient you choose, it’s highly recommended that you apply it in a well-ventilated area to avoid respiratory tract irritation that may result from inhaling the product.
DEET was developed by the US military to repel mosquitoes. It’s very effective and can be found in various doses in biocidal products (from 20% to 50%). It’s often the one that comes to mind when we think of mosquito repellents that can be toxic.
If you have an allergic condition, check the composition of the products to avoid skin reactions.

We advise you to take into account the environment of the region you are visiting:

>> If mosquitoes or ticks are not very present and not very dangerous, a more natural solution can be used. Mosquito and tick repellent containing lemon eucalyptus essential oil is the right choice.

>> If you are going to a country where you know that mosquitoes are a danger (e.g. tiger mosquitoes), for your health and that of your family choose a product containing icaridin or DEET (unless medically contraindicated).

The most prudent thing to do is to ask your doctor or pharmacist for their recommendations for your destination country.
Finally, if your activity allows it, remember that a so-called "mechanical" solution (such as mosquito nets or net caps) will protect you effectively while keeping you safe from the risk of allergies. We recommend mosquito nets especially at night as you won't be waking up to reapply mosquito repellent!

The way you apply your mosquito repellent affects its effectiveness. The amount of product used and its distribution will have an impact on the protection you receive.
1. Spray the product 15 cm from your skin all over the exposed areas except for mucous membranes (the bottles sometimes indicate a recommended number of sprays for each area of the body).
2. Spread the mosquito repellent evenly all over.
3. Wash your hands.
Most mosquito repellent sprays or creams have an effective range of about 5 cm around the application area. Therefore, it’s important to apply the product evenly to all skin exposed to bites.

1. Apply the product on your hands first. This way you avoid getting the product in your eyes which is not advisable.
2. Spread it on your face avoiding the eye area and mucous membranes.
3. Wash your hands.

If necessary, you can complete your protection by wearing a hat with an integrated mosquito net. This is a very useful tool in the great outdoors to protect you effectively.

What is the correct method?

Apply the sun cream first, then 20 to 30 minutes later the mosquito repellent.

Moreover, physical activity coupled with ambient humidity greatly increases sweating, which reduces how long your mosquito repellent protects you.

It’s best to consult the instructions for use of your mosquito repellent product to see how frequently you should apply it.