You can divide insect repellents into two broad categories – those with DEET, and those without. DEET (or to give it its more tongue-twisting name, diethyl-meta-toluamide), is an active ingredient that is highly effective against insect bites, working by creating an impermeable barrier on the skin that stops insects getting through.It has been around since the 1940s, and was originally developed for the US Military, but has been available to the public since 1957. Jungle Formula products are suitable for use as insect repellents/insecticides. To ensure safe use of the products, you should always read the label and use in line with the instructions for use.

This is another natural repellent that claims to be effective in malarial zones, but we would recommend using a stronger repellent such as LifeSystems or Jungle Formula on tropical trips. A cream version and repellent-infused wet wipes are also available. Ben’s is also available in a spray bottle. Ben’s ‘Max’ spray contains a hefty hit of DEET (50% in Europe, the highest percentage allowed under EU law, but up to 98% in the US), which means that despite its dinky size, you don’t need to spray too liberally to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. Avoid using the strong spray on delicate skin – spray it in your hands first and avoid your eyes and mouth if you’re applying to your face. Note that natural repellents are never as effective as stronger ones, and evaporate faster, but are ideal for mild climates or for use on children or people with sensitive skin. Type of applicationJungle Formula Dry Protect is a DEET free, non-greasy insect repellent aerosol with soothing ingredients and a pleasant fragrance for strong, skin friendly protection, without the greasy feel. An excellent option for people, families and small groups who don’t want to cover themselves in oils or sprays. Thermacells MR 300 contains a fuel canister and repellent soaked pad. Hit ‘on’ and ‘start’, and a small flame inside the repeller heats the repellent to keep mosquitoes away within a 15-foot radius.

We currently have a warning against the use of Jungle Formula products around materials such as synthetics, fabrics, plastics and lacquered surfaces. Unfortunately, we are not able to recommend a specific product to help remove the stain but we would suggest that a regular laundry detergent should help.We advise to read the label in the first instance, as it should state if you cannot use other skin products like sunscreen at the same time. Where simultaneous use of sunscreen and insect repellents occurs, the sunscreen should be applied before the repellent. Once the sunscreen is dry the insect repellent spray can then be applied. This method of application should avoid the sunscreen masking the smell and efficacy of the repellent. A DEET-free alternative is Life Systems’ Expedition Sensitive spray, which uses 20% Saltidin (also known as Picaridin) as an active ingredient instead. Jungle Formula Dry Protect is ideal for travel in areas with no known risk of malaria or other insect transmitted diseases. It has been specifically formulated for Europe and the UK, having an Insect Repellent Factor (IRF) 3, the aerosol format provides up to 7 hours protection*, whilst the pump spray format provides up to 6 hours protection* from mosquitoes and other biting insects. The only spray we reviewed offering 24 hour protection (well, if diligently reapplied three times), Lifesystems Expedition Max may be overkill for a ramble in the Lake District but it’s ideal for jungle conditions or anywhere where you’ll be exposed day and night to illness-carrying insects. Re-apply as necessary, depending on conditions, as high temperature, humidity and other environmental factors can reduce the duration of protection of all insect repellents.