Some consumers have been concerned about DEET’s safety (despite few serious problems with its use recorded over the last 50 years). It can also damage plastic items such as sunglasses. And some people don’t like how it smells and feels on their skin.
So what are the alternatives? Two of the five non-DEET products we tested contained a synthetic repellent (picaridin) and the rest were natural. (See Types of repellent for more information.)
We tested:
- Apex Repel New Era Ultra Pump Spray (picaridin)
- Kiwicare Safari Organic Insect Repellent Wipes (natural)
- MozzyOff Midge & Mosquito Repellent Liquid (natural)
- Skin Technology New Generation Pump Spray (picaridin)
- Tui Bug Balme (natural)
We haven’t named the DEET product, as DEET-based repellents of the same strength will generally perform similarly.
The test
The repellents were tested on four volunteers in a laboratory. To set a benchmark, each volunteer exposed an untreated arm in a cage containing 200 hungry mosquitoes before testing started.
A specified amount of repellent was then spread evenly on each volunteer’s forearm. The treated arm was exposed to the mosquitoes for three minutes within five minutes of application and then at hourly intervals. At each exposure the lab counted the number of mosquito “landings” and bites. Assessment of a product stopped when all volunteers had received at least one confirmed bite.
See the Test results table to see how all the product performed.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
Previous: Introduction
