There are many repellent options out there, some which are just down right ridiculous (ultrasound based electronics) and others which may spark arguments among friends. Personally, I find it is an argument (or at least a discussion) starter when I whip out the 100% DEET. Personally, I have found nothing that works more effectively and universally than DEET 100%. Some may recommend that you try products such as Deep Woods OFF which is made up of a mixture of 25% DEET and 75% who knows what. What I find people generally do, is use these compressed aerosol can mixtures and spray copious amounts of repellent all over themselves. The result of this is that they get the same, if not more DEET on them than if they used a more concentrated version sparingly, as well as 75% more of whatever else was in the can.
I choose to use the 100% DEET version and place perhaps one spray pumps worth, or a couple of drops, on my hands and rub the chemical on my exposed skin. Most companies say 100% DEET will last around 10 hours, and I think that's about right, but it doesn't matter because you will know when its effectiveness stops (it's rather dramatic). There are arguments against DEET, such as it discolors skin, decomposes synthetic fabrics and can cause seizures. There have even been four deaths which the EPA says DEET may have played a part in. However the number of reported cases lead the EPA to say that the likely seizure rate is only one in one million users, and I feel like my chance of contracting West Nile Virus, Malaria, Lyme disease, or the bubonic plague is much greater than one in one million. Not to mention the complications of those diseases are generally much worse than seizures.There are other options besides DEET however, and I suppose I should mention those at least briefly. Avon Products produces a "Skin So Soft" line that contains the chemical IR3535 and some tests have shown that it is just as effective as DEET (if not better), at least when it comes to repelling mosquitoes. I think that this is probably the next best option and what I would try if I took the time to shop around for this product.
"Avon Skin So Soft Bug Gaurd Plus IR3535 Gentle Breeze SPF 30 Sunscreen with Aloe and Vitaman E." Man, I just want to keep the bugs away... not moisturize.
And then there are natural options, which honestly I'm not going to bother discussing. I have never used a single natural product that did anything more than make me smell delicious to koalas. You are more than welcome to experiment with these options, however I encourage you to have some anti-itch cream on hand as well.
Andrew Yasso - Program Coordinator and Guide
7 comments:
I hear ya dude. I would either use 100% DEET or nothing. I did reconsider when my Ben's 100 spilled in my backpack pocket and melted my brand-new headlamp. It glazed over the lens, and ate through the batteries. I've found that eating raw garlic is equally effective, but not as socially acceptable.
cheers,
smassey
I had been hoping that this might include some product testing on DEET when mixed with synthetics - many of us react with outrage when someone whips out the DEET when we've got out safety equipment exposed, and something on the etiquette and evidence around this might be useful... Perhaps even some testing of this.
I've used 100%DEET in the past and had it melt various objects to the skin it's been applied to, so I tend to avoid it when using synthetics.
I've also had a lot of success with citronella in the past, but there are potential risks in using this in bear country.
Chris
As a naturalist, I try to avoid things like DEET. I have had decent results from a product called Naturepel.
As a naturalist, do you wear nothing but cotton or wool in the backcountry? Until I find a natural replacement to gore-tex, I'll keep using what actually works.
I agree with the naturalist. I don’t like to use any chemical pesticide. They are highly effective but they cause great problem for the plants. Rater I like to use natural pesticide which works slowly but effectively.
Like Chris on the Road, I am curious as to the consequences when deet products & and organic solvents come into contact with climbing gear like ropes and slings. I generally ask my climbing partners not to use any deet products when we climb with my gear after seeing its effect on other plastic items- and this inevitably causes an uproar from most who are more sensitive to insects than me. I would rather be eaten by insects than have my rope break while I am rappelling! What is the official word? Has anyone dissolved a rope or quick draw?
I have been hoping that this might include some product testing on DEET when mixed with synthetics.An effective Insect Repellent is very essential for complete protection from insects.
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