Tips on Insect Repellent: Short of wearing...

Tips on Insect Repellent: Short of wearing full-body mosquito netting, the best protection against biting insects is a chemical liquid or spray repellent.

One of the most highly touted yet controversial ingredients in repellent is a chemical commonly known as deet.

In a 1993 study published in Consumer Reports magazine, deet was found to be the best repellent available. “The non-deet products couldn’t ward off aggressive mosquitoes for even half an hour,” it said.

Experts advise the use of a low-deet repellent (a concentration of 30% or less) used sparingly. The repellent’s label should clearly state the percentage of deet it contains. If bugs are not kept away with a thin film, such as 2 to 4 tablespoons for arms, legs and face, use a bit more.

Generally, repellent with 10% to 40% deet should cost less than $3 an ounce, or from $3.50 to $5.75 for a bottle or spray.