Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Some advice on repellents:
• Many people use an insect repellent based on
DEET, developed by the US military for jungle
warfare. It can't be used by very young children
or on broken skin, however. It is also a solvent,
and since much outdoor equipment is made of
petrochemical-based fibers, your clothing can be
degraded by it.
• Picaridin is an effective alternative to DEET, but it
has to be used more frequently.
• Two tried and tested alternatives are Odomos
cream, an ayurvedic insect repellent, and Avon's
Skin So Soft body spray. This isn't manufactured as
a repellent, but stops midges.
• Clothing impregnated with repellents work well
but the effect wears off with washing. Some
permethrin-infused garments can deliver protection
for up to 70 washes before the permethrin must be
reapplied.
• If you suffer an allergy to stings, don't forget to
carry your medication.
