Laboratory studies have shown that wrist bands impregnated with DEET provide some protection against mosquitoes. But a key selling point of wrist bands and patches containing botanical extracts is that they’re an alternative to DEET. They’re primarily marketed to those looking for a “natural” alternative. Whether you’re after something topical like the Incognito Insect Repellent spray or the Mosquito Milk Insect Repellent Roll-On, or would prefer something for use indoors like the Jungle Formula Plug-In, thanks to this wrap-up, you're bound to find the right product for a relaxing, bite-free trip.

The main downside, as you’ll notice from the photo, is that the unit has a two-pin plug, as it’s primarily designed for Europe and other holiday destinations. So to use it in the UK, you’ll need a 2-pin plug adapter. And while prallethrin is safe for pets and kids, the makers advise that pregnant women should steer clear. The most effective and long-standing chemical used in mosquito repellents is N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, better known as DEET. The US Army has been issuing it to its troops since the 1940s. In recent decades, there have been a few medical reports suggesting there are links between DEET and health problems, but ultimately none of them has been substantiated.It’s completely odourless and highly effective at killing mosquitoes, midges and other biting insects for complete peace of mind. One liquid bottle lasts for up to 45 nights, but you can buy refill bottles too, so you can use continue using the plug-in for as long as you need. Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for What's the Best, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness. If something seems too good to be true, oftentimes it is. Wearable mosquito control is no exception. While the idea is convenient, non-DEET wearables do not have any evidence of being effective.

Wristbands are marketed as safe mosquito repellents because you don’t have to rub or spray anything on your skin. However, a test by Consumer Reports found mosquito repellent wristbands are ineffective. Many wearable mosquito-repellant products do not contain DEET, because it is generally not safe to wear highly concentrated DEET directly on your skin for a long period of time. In addition to the general irritation and itching caused by mosquito bites, every year there are hundreds of millions of casesof mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue, and yellow fever. This makes the mosquito one of the most deadly animals on the planet.Investing in a quality mosquito repellent means you can say goodbye to itchy bites and swollen skin. Instead, these products contain natural alternatives to DEETlike oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or citronella. Some may even attempt to use technological approaches like ultrasonic frequencies to repel mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are often the most common bites in the summer, and cause red, itchy bumps on your skin. In other parts of the world, they can be dangerous as they spread diseases like malaria, but they don't cause major harm in the UK.

Wristbands But scientists who have tested these products have found them to be ineffective. In a 2017 study in the Journal of Insect Science, researchers found they had no significant effect in repelling mosquitoes. 2. How effective are bug repellent bracelets?Effectiveness: Ultrasonic frequencies are a recent trend in pest-control technology, but the technology has been attempted for decades. These types of frequencies are meant to produce sounds that are too high for us to hear, but very irritating to insects. These frequencies have beendemonstratednot to be very effective or worthwhile. Given that mosquitoes are attracted to smell, not sound,it seems especially unlikely this product would do much to protect against mosquitoes. Parakito Wristbands What’s the one thing that’s most likely to spoil a sunny holiday above anything else? Mosquito bites. So, it’s a good idea to equip yourself with the best mosquito repellent before jetting off. Selecting the right bug repellent involves considering its active ingredients, concentration, and format. Effective repellents often contain DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, but be aware of any potential skin irritations, especially for children under three. The concentration of these ingredients doesn't enhance effectiveness, just duration, so choose based on your needs. It has a two-pin plug head that’s perfect for use in the majority of European countries, including Spain, Italy and Greece, and can be used in the UK and other countries with a travel adapter. Our verdict

Given there is no listed active ingredients, the odds of this having an repellent impact is close to zero. Stay away! JollyPatch Most bracelets use natural ingredients such as essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint to deter mosquitos. These ingredients have some degree of effectiveness in repelling mosquitos. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of these bracelets can vary depending on factors such as the type of mosquito, the concentration of the active ingredients, and the duration of use. So does a mosquito bracelet work? The short answer is yes. How long can you wear a mosquito bracelet?Effectiveness:It’s a bit more difficult to evaluate this product because the exact combination of essential oils is not made clear by the company (this is likely “proprietary information”). However, essential oils are not usually effectiveinsect repellents. Much of DEET’s bad rep, we would say, is due to a general disinclination towards using chemical products right now, which isn’t helped by its unpleasant smell. We’ve included all-natural alternatives below, but if you really want to keep mosquitoes away, DEET remains the best choice. Products that contain natural repellent ingredients like essential oils are only worth a try if they contain Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, since this is the most effective natural alternative to DEET. Even then, these products may be best for lighter, short-term use. We would not recommend them for long days in the deep woods, long camping trips, and especially not for any trip to a disease-endemic area. In those cases, DEET-based repellents remain the best option. When there’s insect repellent on your skin, the mosquitoes are either repelled by the unpleasantness of the odours or they’re confused and lose their appetite for blood.