DEET is best
The DEET repellent was the most effective in our test. It was seven hours before any of the volunteers received a bite.
Picaridin products
The two products containing picaridin (Apex Repel New Era and Skin Technology New Generation) were the best of the non-DEET products. It was two hours before a mosquito attempted a bite on two of the volunteers and three hours before all four received a bite. These two products clearly outperformed the natural repellents.
Natural products
The natural products offered limited protection. The Kiwicare Safari wipes repelled the mozzies well for a short time after application but a bite was recorded within an hour. The MozzyOff and Tui Bug Balme products offered the least protection.
There was some protection, with fewer landings once the products were applied. While you could use them at a backyard barbecue, we wouldn’t advise taking them on the Milford Track – or on a South Pacific holiday during the rainy season.
This was a very demanding test – you’re unlikely to find so many mosquitoes in such close proximity in the wild. So our results should be treated as guidelines. How long a repellent’s effect lasts will depend on the conditions and on your activities – sweating will shorten your protection time.
Where to find them
If you’re having trouble finding a product at a pharmacy, supermarket or health food store you can contact its distributor:
- Apex Repel New Era: www.apexltd.co.nz 0800 66 77 84
- Kiwicare Safari Wipes: www.kiwicare.co.nz 03 389 0778
- MozzyOff: www.mozzyoff.co.nz 0800 222 558
- Skin Technology New Generation: www.skintechnology.co.nz 021 534 787
- Tui Bug Balme: www.tuibalmes.co.nz 03 525 9654
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