When it comes to protecting yourself from insect bites while travelling, DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) remains the gold-standard active ingredient recommended by health professionals worldwide. Products containing 20–50% DEET offer the broadest and longest-lasting protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects across a wide range of tropical and subtropical destinations. Alternatives such as Picaridin (also known as Icaridin) and IR3535 are effective options for travellers with sensitive skin or those seeking DEET-free formulas. At Edinburgh Travel Clinic, our travel health specialists assess your destination, itinerary, and personal health needs to recommend the most appropriate repellent — and any accompanying vaccinations or antimalarials — so you can travel with complete confidence.
Ready to get personalised advice before your next trip? Book a consultation with one of our expert travel health nurses today.
Key Takeaways
- DEET (20–50%) is the most widely recommended insect repellent for travellers visiting high-risk destinations.
- Picaridin and IR3535 are strong DEET-free alternatives with fewer skin and fabric interactions.
- Always apply repellent after sunscreen and reapply according to product instructions, especially in heat and humidity.
- Repellents work best as part of a wider bite-prevention strategy: clothing, bed nets, and accommodation choices all matter.
- Children and pregnant women require special consideration when choosing a repellent — professional guidance is essential.
- No insect repellent is 100% effective; combining it with vaccinations and antimalarials offers the best protection in endemic areas.
The Importance of Insect Repellent for Travel
Insect-borne diseases are among the leading health risks for international travellers. Mosquitoes alone are responsible for transmitting malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, yellow fever, and chikungunya — diseases that collectively affect hundreds of millions of people each year. Ticks carry Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, while sandflies can transmit leishmaniasis in parts of southern Europe, Africa, and Asia. Before selecting a repellent, it pays to know exactly which biting insects you’re likely to encounter at your destination.
The good news is that with the right precautions, the risk of insect-borne illness is dramatically reducible. A high-quality insect repellent, applied correctly and consistently, is one of the most cost-effective interventions available to any traveller — and it requires no prescription. Contact us to book your travel consultation today.
Comparing the Most Effective Insect Repellents for Travel
Not all repellents are created equal. Below is a comparison of the most commonly recommended active ingredients, their effectiveness, suitability, and key considerations for travellers.
| Active Ingredient | Effectiveness | Duration | Best For | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEET (20–50%) | High | 4–8 hours | High-risk destinations (malaria, dengue zones) | Avoid on damaged skin; can damage synthetics |
| Picaridin (Icaridin) 20% | High | 4–8 hours | Mosquitoes & ticks; sensitive skin | Odourless; safe on fabrics and plastics |
| IR3535 20% | Medium–High | 2–4 hours | Families; mild-to-moderate risk zones | Plant-derived; gentle on skin |
| Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) | Medium | 2–3 hours | Adults in low-to-moderate risk areas | Not recommended for children under 3 |
| Citronella / Natural oils | Low | < 1 hour | Low-risk, domestic use | Not recommended for travel to endemic areas |
How to Apply Insect Repellent Correctly
Even the most effective repellent will fall short if applied incorrectly. Follow these evidence-based application tips for maximum protection:
Apply repellent to all exposed skin, not just your arms. Ears, the back of the neck, ankles, and wrists are commonly missed areas that insects target. If you are also using sunscreen — which you should be — apply sunscreen first, allow it to absorb, and then apply repellent on top. Never mix the two products together, as this can reduce the effectiveness of both.
Reapply repellent as directed on the packaging, and more frequently if you are sweating heavily or have been swimming. In high-humidity environments such as tropical rainforests or coastal regions, shorter reapplication intervals are advisable. Always wash repellent off when you return indoors and no longer need protection.
Special Considerations: Children, Pregnancy & Sensitive Skin
Parents travelling with young children often ask which repellents are safe for kids. Most health authorities, including Public Health England and the World Health Organization, advise that DEET-based products can be used on children over two months of age, at concentrations no higher than 30–35%. It should not be applied to children’s hands, near eyes, or on broken skin.
DEET is the best-supported option in UK guidance during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed. If you have sensitive skin, eczema, or known allergies, always patch-test a new repellent product before your trip. Our travel health clinicians can guide you through the safest options for your specific circumstances. This is exactly the kind of personalised support available at Edinburgh Travel Clinic. Call us to protect your health before you travel.
Beyond Repellent: A Layered Approach to Bite Prevention
Insect repellent is a vital tool, but the most effective protection comes from combining multiple strategies. Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers — ideally treated with permethrin, an insecticide that can be applied to fabrics and provides lasting protection through multiple washes. Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net if you are staying in accommodation without air conditioning or window screens.
Avoid being outdoors during peak biting times: mosquitoes that carry malaria bite predominantly between dusk and dawn, while those transmitting dengue and Zika tend to bite during daylight hours. Knowing your destination-specific risks empowers you to adapt your behaviour accordingly. Combining these physical barriers with appropriate vaccinations and, where relevant, antimalarial medication offers the most comprehensive protection available.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some of the most common questions our travellers ask about insect repellent below – but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help.
Is DEET safe to use every day during a long trip?
DEET is safe for daily use when applied as directed on the product label, including during extended trips of several months. Avoid applying it to broken skin or mucous membranes, and wash it off at the end of each day when indoors.
Can I use insect repellent on my face?
Yes, but apply it carefully — spray it onto your hands first and then rub it onto your face, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and nostrils. Picaridin is often preferred for facial use due to its lighter texture and low odour.
Does insect repellent protect against tick bites too?
Yes — DEET and Picaridin both offer effective protection against ticks as well as mosquitoes. Applying permethrin-treated clothing alongside a skin-based repellent provides the strongest combined protection in tick-endemic areas.
Are natural insect repellents effective enough for travel?
Natural repellents such as citronella provide only short-term, limited protection and are not recommended for travel to destinations where malaria, dengue, or other vector-borne diseases are prevalent. If you prefer a natural alternative, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is the most evidence-backed option, but still falls short of DEET or Picaridin for high-risk environments.
Should I use repellent if I’m taking antimalarials?
Absolutely — antimalarial tablets reduce the risk of developing malaria if bitten, but they do not prevent the bite itself. Using repellent alongside antimalarials significantly lowers your overall risk and also protects against other insect-borne diseases that antimalarials do not cover.
How much insect repellent should I pack for a two-week trip?
A 100ml bottle of repellent typically provides around two weeks of coverage for one person if applied once or twice daily to exposed skin. Pack at least two bottles for a two-week trip to a high-risk destination, especially if you plan to spend significant time outdoors.
Stay Protected, Travel Further
Choosing the right insect repellent is one of the most important decisions you can make before travelling to a destination where insects pose a health risk. While DEET remains the most effective and widely recommended option, Picaridin and IR3535 offer excellent protection for those seeking alternatives — particularly for families, pregnant travellers, or those with sensitive skin. Combined with treated clothing, bed nets, and destination-specific medical advice, a good repellent forms a cornerstone of any comprehensive travel health plan.
At Edinburgh Travel Clinic, we are dedicated to ensuring every traveller leaves fully informed and fully protected. Our expert team provides personalised recommendations on repellents, vaccinations, and antimalarials tailored to your specific journey. Don’t leave your health to chance — book now and travel with the confidence that comes from expert care.