BUG OUT
I tested high street insect repellents – the winner kept the bugs away and didn’t irritate my skin
Keep scrolling to find out ways to treat bug bites
WHETHER you are at home this summer or heading off to sunnier climes, insect repellent is a must for preventing bites and stings.
It's essential if you are heading somewhere tropical, where insects can transmit diseases such as yellow fever and malaria.
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But scientists say climate change is also bringing mosquito-born diseases such as dengue to holiday destinations closer to home, including some parts of the Mediterranean.
Even if they don't cause disease, insect bites can also be sore, itchy and unsightly.
And even if you're heard old wives' tales about eating asparagus or upping vitamin B intake to ward them off, scientists say these tricks don't really work and you are better off using a science-backed repellent. But which is best?
Lynsey Hope finds out.
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Superdrug Buzz Off Insect Repellent
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- £4 for 50ml,
- Active ingredient: 27.5 per cent DEET
- Hours of protection: Up to 4
This Superdrug repellent has worked well on me and kept me bite free in the garden.
It promises to ward off a range of bugs for up to four hours. It contains 27.5% DEET - enough to provide a decent level of protection.
But, it's probably not enough to protect you on a hike through the Amazon rainforest and there are stronger products out there.
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The aerosol dispenser was surprisingly powerful and I was able to cover my body quickly.
The smell was there - but one plus is that it wasn't overpowering like some of the others.
Overall, pretty good for the price.
4/5
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LiFESYSTEMS Expedition Max Mosquito Repellent
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- £7.99 for 50ml,
- Active ingredient: 50 per cent DEET and Citriodoil
- Hours of protection: Up to 9
This contains DEET to repel mosquitos but the Citriodoil deters them from biting if they land on you.
It lasts up to nine hours per application and can be applied multiple times for round the clock protection.
The pump spray was super effective with no leaks and this was strong, without the hefty price tag of some of the others.
3/5
Jungle Formula Maximum
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- £8.50 for 125ml,
- Active ingredient: 50 per cent DEET
- Hours of protection: Up to 9
I preferred the aerosol version of Jungle Formula as I was able to cover larger areas in less time and there were less leaks from the bottle.
The spray was light and didn't irritate my sensitive skin.
Overall, it offered strong protection for up to nine hours - a full day out - and was a good price.
5/5
Incognito Insect Repellent
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- £13 for 100ml,
- Active ingredient: 20 per cent Citrepel
- Hours of protection: Up to 8
This incognito repellent is made with all natural ingredients including Citrepel, which is derived from oil of lemon eucalpytus and it successfully repelled mozzies, horseflies, ticks and midges while I had it on.
It's quite a thick white liquid but it absorbed quickly into the skin, wasn't greasy and had a nicer smell than most. It's great that it can be used on children from six months, too.
3/5
Boots Repel Maximum
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- £8.65 for 100ml,
- Active ingredient: 50 per cent DEET
- Hours of protection: Up to 8
This really packs a punch and the scent is very strong. No bug will come near you wearing this. It's one of the best, very strong.
You probably only need use this in tropical zones.
However, it's probably a bit much for just a day out near home.
4/5
Autan Multi Insect Repellent
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- £7.46 for 100ml,
- Active ingredient: Icaridine 20 per cent
- Hours of protection: 4-8 hours
An effective repellent, which doesn't leave you with oily skin. The only drawback is the smell which is quite potent.
Even though it is DEET free, this is quite powerful so it's best to apply outside and wash your hand after use.
It will protect you for up to four hours against ticks and horseflies and up to eight hours against common mozzies, but it didn't offer as much protection as the DEET sprays.
2/5
Bodyguard Mosquito Repellent Perfumed Spray
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- £12.90 for 100ml,
- Active ingredient: IR3535 20 per cent
- Hours of protection: Up to 8 hours
On first impressions, this looks more like a body spray than mosquito repellent and it smells lovely, too. It smelt almost too nice to work but I was pleasantly surprised.
It works, mainly because of the active ingredient IR3535 or something called Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate, which is an alternative to DEET.
Not one bug took a bite whilst I was wearing it, so it's definitely a top product.
It's also non-toxic, can be used by pregnant women and children from one year.
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We tried the coconut but it's also available in citrus, marine and moringa scents.
5/5
How to treat bites and stings
Professor James Logan explains how to treat a bite or sting.
Remove the sting, tick or hairs if they are still in the skin.
Then, wash the affected area with soap and water.
Apply a cold compress, such as a flannel cooled with cold water or an ice pack, to any swelling for at least 10 minutes.
Elevate the area to reduce swelling, too.
Avoid scratching the area or bursting blisters to reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid traditional home remedies such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda as they are unlikely to help.
Over-the-counter painkillers may ease pain or swelling.
Speak to your pharmacist about treatments to help with itching, such as hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine tablets.
Contact your GP or 111 if:
- your symptoms don't improve within a few days or are getting worse
- you've been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat or near your eyes
- 10cm or more around the bite becomes red or swollen
- you have symptoms of an infection such as pus, swelling, fever or other flu-like symptoms.
Dial 999 for an ambulance if you experience symptoms of a severe reaction, such as wheezing or breathing difficulties, a swollen face, mouth or throat, feeling or being sick, a fast heart rate, dizziness or feeling fain, difficulty swallowing or loss of consciousness.
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